The cellphone becomes the radio – but better!

Issued by: MXit

The new word is Mobcast. They're audio and video broadcasts that you download to your mobile phone - convenient, low cost, and a direct link between artists and audiences. Developed exclusively for MXit users by Mel.Vent Communications, users are able to access audio and video shows, full track downloads, ringtones, competitions and free promotional content.

MOBmix is everything people loved in their old FM radios (choice! new music! fun personalities!), and combines it with the interactivity of modern technology. MOBmix gives South Africans across the country great new music and shows, and gives artists a new way to find their audiences.MOBmix subscribers on MXit can listen to hour-long chat and chart shows from top presenters like Derek ‘The Bandit', or tune into the DJ Cleo Hour. They can view 20-minute TV segments on lifestyle, new movies and new music. If they hear something they like, they can download entire tracks.

Unlike podcasts, you don't need a PC or Internet access to download the whole show. MOBmix is right there, on your phone, at any time.“We believe that this is another world first for MXit. Different elements of the mix exist, but to put them together into a single, effortless whole that's accessible via mobile phone is unique. MXit users can get new content updated weekly no matter where they are in the country for a couple of Rand,” says MXit CEO, Herman Heunis.

“Modern technology is turning the old entertainment order on its head, breaking down distance, and giving choice back to the users and the artists.”The MOBmix audio Mobcasts are 60-minute segments similar to radio shows, with top-name presenters – both old favourites and brand new music releases.

MOBmix video Mobcasts are 20 minute shows in a television format, covering music and other topics. Video Mobcasts include EPK's (electronic press kits) covering multimedia shorts about new bands, footage of upcoming movies and hot gossip.MXit subscribers can preview new album releases, such as "Infinity on High" by Fall Out Boys, check out promotions, giveaways and competitions. MOBmix is interactive, allowing users to give feedback, vote and enter prize draws.

The service was designed by Mel.Vent Communications, part of The Mothermix Group. Says CEO, Alexander Gregori: “We took our idea to MXit several months back as we thought they would make an ideal partner based on their inexpensive, instant and direct approach to releasing content to mass consumers. We soft-launched in July to test the concept together with top brands like Musica, Universal Music and Puma.

“MOBmix is a new platform to distribute content without the limitations of available time slots, program managers and station politics. It is the people that decide what they want to see and hear.


How to:

”MXit subscribers can access MOBmix content by adding ‘MOBmix' to their personal contacts (click on Tradepost, then MXit Mix, then MOBmix).

MOBmix users currently have a choice of hundreds of Mobcast audio- and video sessions. Existing content is updated weekly and exciting new Mobcasts and music are added regularly.The launch package includes Mobcasts by Derek ‘The Bandit', the hip hop show, Studio Dogz, presented by Bongani Njoli (“the voice of e.tv”) and Koni Mazwai, and The ZA Show, a talk show about anything and everything proudly South African, hosted by Glen and Bridgette Verran.

Universal Music is offering tracks off their latest releases, and even independents like the award-winning Afrikaans rap group KALLITZ, the award-nominated hip hop group KGB, rapper/youth activist Brown, or Afrikaans newcomer Phillip de Villiers are now just a click away.Content downloads from MOBmix are priced from 50 Moola (50 cents) for Ringtone downloads, to 400 Moola (R4) for music videos and full track content.