Johannesburg, 23 May 2023 – SlikourOnLife, the renowned South African Hip Hop and culture magazine turned content and influencer agency, is thrilled to now be offering fintech solutions dedicated to empowering the country’s creative community. With a focus on artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and creative enthusiasts with a passion for supporting the culture, SlikourOnLife will provide innovative financial solutions and tools to nurture these creators’ careers.

SlikourOnLife introduces two cutting-edge platforms: SOLDistro and SOLWallet. SOLDistro, an online music distribution platform, enables artists to effortlessly release their songs on all major streaming platforms and stores, with unlimited free music uploads. While also introducing an artist investment fund overseen by Prowess, a fund management company managing over 10 billion rands of investor money.This platform also offers promotional and financial tools to help artists build their careers while taking only a modest royalty fee.

Complementing SOLDistro is SOLWallet, an advanced transaction platform tailored to the needs of African creatives. Artists using international DIY distribution platforms who get paid their royalties through  global  fintech companies normally decide to forfeit their fees because of the tedious process to be onboarded that aren’t built to accommodate the locals. On the SOL Wallet users can add their bank cards, request a SOL Wallet virtual Mastercard with 0 transaction fees on POS platforms, facilitating secure sending and receiving of mobile payments.

Members will also enjoy exclusive rewards and discounts, with plans to provide creator loans against PO’s and royalties for creatives working with agencies  or musicians with a revenue track record from their streams in the near future.

SlikourOnLife will also unveil ‘BlackChain’, a creator B2B marketplace connecting businesses with talented creative freelancers that have been quality checked by procurement and production teams of SA most established agencies. This platform will streamline the process of finding professional suppliers while promoting the work of creative individuals.

Celebrating this significant milestone, Siya Metane, the CEO of SlikourOnLife, expressed his vision, “Our goal has always been to create an ecosystem that centres around the needs of creators and their consumers. The SOL journey was born out of a desire to empower creators of all kinds by providing them with not just the tools to refine their craft, but also the necessary resources to navigate the business side of the creative industry, reach their audiences and ultimately leave behind a lasting legacy for future generations.”

SlikourOnLife invites all creators and creatives, young or young at heart, to embark on this transformative journey. By harnessing the power of technology, finance, and creativity, SlikourOnLife is revolutionizing the landscape for South African creatives, empowering them to realize their dreams and shape a brighter future.

About SlikourOnLife:

SlikourOnLife is a dynamic digital media company with a focus on empowering creatives, musicians, and urban entrepreneurs, SlikourOnLife provides platforms such as SOLDistro and SOLWallet, offering innovative financial solutions and promotional tools. The upcoming ‘BlackChain’ creator marketplace is a B2B platform that will further bridge the gap between brands and creatives.

Huawei’s next-generation, open, and collaborative ecosystem keeps growing bigger and better, adding even more value to the company’s portfolio of cutting-edge mobile devices. HUAWEI P60 Pro, Huawei’s brand-new flagship smartphone, has officially made its worldwide debut, once again setting the benchmark for smartphone photography. With elegant design, outstanding performance, and a superior array of cameras, the HUAWEI P60 Pro is powered by Huawei Mobile Services (HMS).

HMS is totally aligned with our experience-first era, and since its inception, it has always emphasized delivering stellar user experiences. Huawei constantly optimizes and enhances the platform, integrating innovative features into its core capabilities.

HUAWEI AppGallery, the official app distribution platform for HUAWEI devices, has rapidly solidified its position as the world’s 3rd largest app marketplace, with over 580 million monthly active users whose numbers continue to rise. The strong support from 6 million registered developers has been key to AppGallery’s success, which celebrated its fourth anniversary in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in December 8, 2022.

In the MEA region, HMS has garnered more than 200,000 registered developers, and over 15,000 apps are now integrated with the HMS Core. By the end of 2022, the number of apps distributed via AppGallery outside of China has grown by 12% year-over-year. AppGallery remains dedicated to providing users with the finest local and international services and content. Takealot, Mr D, Superbalist and SuperSport, are just a fraction of AppGallery’s dozens of successful partnership stories.

HUAWEI Themes has also joined forces with renowned regional artists and prestigious partners to create exclusive, high-quality content for HUAWEI users. In addition, new design sets, under the theme “art meets technology”, was recently released on HUAWEI Themes.

In addition, HUAWEI Themes has recently partnered with Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) to bring an entire realm of award-winning photography to all HUAWEI smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches via a series of themes that Huawei users can download free of charge.

Petal Maps offers HUAWEI devices users a new and convenient way to explore the world. Petal Maps covers more than 160 countries and regions, boasting over 40 million MAUs, and can display map data in more than 70 languages. Its newest version offers an enhanced and unique navigation experience, providing drivers with precise guidance and personalized features.

HUAWEI Mobile Cloud is a comprehensive cloud storage service. It provides a secure and seamless synchronization among smartphones, tablets, and PCs, allowing users to access their data from any device, anywhere, anytime.

One of the main features of HUAWEI Mobile Cloud is its ability to automatically sync data between different devices. For example, if you take a picture on your HUAWEI P60 Pro smartphone, it will instantly appear on your MatePad or PC, without the need for manual transfer or uploading.

The HUAWEI Browser provides users with a convenient and seamless browsing experience across all their devices. With cross-device bookmarks, history, and settings management, users can easily access their browsing data from their smartphones, tablets, and PCs with a single touch using the same HUAWEI ID. This ensures that users can continue their browsing sessions from where they left off on any device, without any interruptions or manual syncing. Additionally, the browser’s secure and seamless synchronization capabilities make it easy for users to switch between devices and maintain the same browsing experience across all their devices.

Huawei Mobile Services are committed in developing new and innovative products in order to satisfy the expectations of consumers seeking the greatest mobile experiences of today. Meeting the growing needs for performance, connectivity, communication, and entertainment, designed to become an integral part of every modern consumer’s multifaceted lifestyle. But when outstanding hardware, like the HUAWEI P60 Pro, is paired with the powerful and ever-evolving HMS platform, the results are phenomenal. Thanks to the overwhelming, continuous support of our valued local and international partners, and the dedication of more than 6 million developers, the HMS open and collaborative ecosystem leads the way towards a smarter AI world for all.

As a thriving ecosystem, HMS not only drives user satisfaction but also provides excellent growth opportunities for Huawei’s partners. This year, Huawei’s leading programmatic advertising platform has been rebranded from “HUAWEI Ads” to “Petal Ads” to highlight the platform’s thrilling evolution. Petal Ads is working closely with a large number of third-party media in the region to create an expansive ads universe that supports display ads, app market ads, and search ads, ensuring businesses can connect with their customers precisely and effortlessly.

About Huawei Mobile Services (HMS)

Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) is a part of Huawei Consumer Business Group, which aims to provide a complete, all-scenario mobile ecosystem to Huawei device users. HMS users can enjoy official services such as AppGallery, Mobile Cloud, Themes, Video, Petal Search, Petal Maps and more which come along with EMUI. HMS covers users in over 170 countries and regions, serving as an ultimate and premium smart living experience to benefit every user. As the era of a fully connected world has arrived, HMS continues evolving to provide an optimised mobile experience and fulfil the commitment to bring the world closer.

Visit huaweimobileservices.com for more information on HMS.

Mobile technology has transformed Africa over the past two decades, enabling the continent to leapfrog fixed-lines and join a global digital economy. It has made the internet accessible to nearly everyone, transforming how we live, learn, work, communicate and play. It has become one of the most important economic sectors, catalysing significant job creation and development. For Africa Day 25 May, TCL shares how some facts and numbers about how mobile technology is transforming sub-Saharan Africa.

1. Mobile penetration is close to 50%

Vast distances and underdeveloped infrastructure meant a telephone line was a luxury reserved for the rich in Africa until the arrival of the mobile phone. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there was only one fixed broadband line per 100 people in Africa by 2020. By contrast, there were more than 515 million unique mobile subscribers in sub Saharan Africa as of 2021. The GSM Association (GSMA) expects that number to rise to 613 million by 2025, covering 50% of the population. Around one billion SIMs are connected to African mobile networks, excluding licensed Internet of Things connections.

2. Mobile telecoms has grown into one of Africa’s biggest industries supporting 3.2 million jobs

According to the GSMA, mobile telecoms has grown into a $140 billion industry in sub-Saharan Africa, representing 8% of GDP. By 2025, mobile’s contribution will grow by approximately $16 billion to almost $155 billion. The sector directly employs around 400,000 people. It also supports 2.8 million more jobs in the formal and informal economies.

3. Nigeria is the country with the most mobile subscribers

Unsurprisingly, Africa’s most populous country has the highest number of subscribers. Nigeria had around 200 million mobile connections as of March 2022. South Africa, meanwhile, has more cellular connections than people. There were 109 million cellular mobile connections in South Africa at the start of 2022, equivalent to 180% of the population.

4. There are more than 600 million mobile money accounts in sub-Saharan Africa

Banks have historically struggled to make financial services accessible and affordable to people in rural and poor areas of Africa. Most people depended on cash to transact, often needing to travel vast distances at great cost to draw money or make a payment. Since the launch of the first mobile money offerings, that picture has changed dramatically.

It has become easier for people to remit funds, get paid and transact straight from their phones. According to Euromonitor, there were over 600 million mobile money registered accounts and transactions valued at over $600 billion across sub-Saharan Africa in 2022. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for just over half of active money accounts worldwide.

5. Africans bought 73 million smartphones last year

According to IDC, around 73.4 million smartphones shipped into Africa last year. Devices costing less than $200 accounted for 82% of the total smartphone shipment. 5G devices’ share of the overall market is growing as major brands launch more flagship 5G smartphones, says IDC. It’s early days for 5G, but it promises to transform the internet experience across Africa as 5G services become more widely available.

JOHANNESBURG – Vodacom’s new OnPoint Mobile store has opened in Braamfontein. Developed in partnership with South Point, Braamfontein’s largest property owner and developer and home to more than 6 000 students, the new space delivers exciting retail design and curated consumer experiences to Africa’s largest academic district.

Not only is the store a space where students and young people can access the full suite of Vodacom products, but it is also intended to be a space where customers can learn, be creative and get connected. This next-generation store features a grandstand with bespoke graffiti as a backdrop. Desks will be scattered around the store so that it can serve as a space where students can hang out, work, study and get a coffee. There is also a central podium where talks can be held, unplugged musicians can perform or where specials can be displayed. Customers can visit Original Equipment Manufacturers displays at the store entrance where they will have the chance to test out and compare the latest products.

Oyisa Besman, Managing Executive, Vodacom Gauteng Region commented: “As Vodacom, we are always looking for new opportunities to engage with and speak to the youth market. Today, as much as 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. By 2030, young Africans are expected to constitute 42% of global youth. As a brand, we need to come up with ways to speak to this market and to support them because they are the future. Our OnPoint mobile store is one way we are trying to do just that.”

Ndumiso Davidson, South Point CEO says, “The new OnPoint Mobile space delivers exciting world-class retail design and curated consumer experiences to the heart of Braamfontein, Africa’s largest academic district. It’s also no secret that “Braam” is celebrated as a neighbourhood – and rightfully so – where forward-thinking brands flex their creative muscles as they develop innovative new ways to engage the powerful youth market.”

The retail and experience space were designed by leading retail design firm BrandDNA. Adrian Whines, CEO of BrandDNA explains, “The store is particularly exciting for us as our office is based in Braamfontein. We are passionate about any project that will see the rejuvenation and success of the inner city.  Now, “Braam” will continue to enjoy upliftment, thanks to South Point and Vodacom. The success in “Braam” lies in the appeal to the youth, and the store is another example of what the neighbourhood offers the students.

The new store also aligns with Vodacom’s youth proposition, called Vodacom NXT LVL, which targets consumers under the age of 25. Vodacom NXT LVL focuses on giving young people access to affordable connectivity, empowering them with the skills they need to succeed in their future careers and provides them with the tools and technologies they need to realise a better future.

“Our goal is for the OnPoint store to serve as a space where students can access critical digital tools and resources,” concluded Besman. “And in doing so, the hope is that Vodacom can offer our youth customers the support they need to transform their lives for the better. ”

Visit the new OnPoint Mobile store: 66 De Korte Street, corner Bertha Street, Braamfontein; tel 010-025-4291.