Those wondering why no major label has successfully launched their own streaming service so far, wonder no more: Universal Music Group, in partnership with Samsung – as well as African and international music labels and publishers – has revealed a pan-African mobile music streaming service called the Kleek.
Designed and built specifically for Africa, the Kleek promises to ‘bring music lovers closer to their favourite artists, while also providing artists with valuable access to a wider pan-African audience’.
Universal has partnered with Samsung Electronics Africa, who will be the exclusive smartphone partner for the Kleek for the first two years.
The Kleek, which has been optimised for Samsung smartphones, will initially be available free to users. Through the application users can find artist, genre and celebrity playlists; exclusive album previews; artist diaries and charts.
The Kleek was officially unveiled today at the Samsung Africa Forum in Cape Town.
“With the Kleek, we are not just delivering the best local and international music, we are providing all of Africa with a unique and bespoke user experience,” explained Randall Abrahams, Managing Director, Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The service will also help us focus on developing future stars from across the continent,” Abrahams added.
“Samsung smartphone devices are optimised for high quality sound, and are ideal for the Kleek,” said Thabiet Allie, Head of Content and Services at Samsung Electronics Africa. “Samsung recognises that the African market is very different to that of its European, Asian and American counterparts. We are thus, through our Built for Africa initiatives, focused on building services and partnering with the best local and international content owners and this partnership is testament to that,” concluded Allie.
Max Hole, Chairman & CEO Universal Music Group International, commented, “By investing in the Kleek we’re providing a platform for the very best of African talent to reach a wider audience. With the explosion of smartphones and other mobile devices, the Kleek has the potential to attract tens of millions of music fans across Africa.”Music Business Worldwide
