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Johannesburg - The world’s first high definition audio streaming service Tidal, which is being bought out by rapper Jay-Z, has launched an offering in South Africa.
Swedish-based Tidal describes itself as a “high fidelity lossless music streaming service with high definition music videos and curated editorial”.
The service - which is available on Apple iOS or Google Android devices, network players, and computers - says its music streams at more than four times the bit rate of competitive services.
The service also says it has over 25 million tracks and 75 000 music videos and is available at a monthly subscription of $9.99 (R116).
“South Africans can finally enjoy a true high fidelity service with lossless sound quality, HD music videos and curated editorial,” said Tidal CEO Andy Chen.
Tidal’s South African move forms part of its expansion into 22 additional countries during the first quarter of this year ranging from Switzerland to Singapore.
Until now, the service has been available in the US, Canada and the UK.
Media technology company Aspiro, which owns Tidal, reported earlier this year that the high fidelity music streaming service only has 12 000 users globally.
Aspiro, though, is also the parent company of WiMP which is a music streaming service with HiFi quality audio that has 500 000 subscribers.
In December, rapper Jay Z made a $56 million bid to purchase Aspiro. The board of directors of Aspiro have reportedly recommended that shareholders approve the purchase.
Streaming in SA
Tidal is not the only internet streaming service to eye South Africa.
Global music streaming service Simfy launched an offering in SA in 2012 that costs R60 per month for all access.
South Africans even have more video streaming options of late as Times Media launched Vidi in 2014 while mobile network MTN followed by unveiling its ‘FrontRow’ service in December.
Netflix is reportedly also eyeing the South African market.
