Telecom
6 Ways Gemini Can Power Your Journey to Become Africa’s next Global Music Star
The pulse of African music resonates worldwide. Fueled by the success of top sensations like Burnaboy, Davido, Tyla and Wizkid, a new generation of creatives is bursting onto the scene.
But navigating the music industry’s complexities can feel daunting – especially without the right know-how and tools. That’s where Gemini, Google’s collaborative AI-powered tool, steps in as your ultimate guide.
Imagine having an always-available industry insider at your fingertips. Whether it’s demystifying music royalties, staying ahead of Afropop trends, or strategizing your next creative move, Gemini empowers you with the knowledge and insights you need to make your mark. Ready to unlock your global music potential?
Here are 6 ways Gemini can be an ally on your journey:
Building Your Tribe: In vibrant music communities like the ones in Lagos, Johannesburg and Nairobi, it’s not just about who you know, but how you connect. Gemini helps you go beyond networking basics. Instead of just attending events, let’s get strategic. Ask, “How do I initiate meaningful conversations with music producers online?” or “Help me write an application essay for an artist mentorship program.”
Igniting Your Creative Spark: Facing a creative block? Gemini can reignite your inspiration. “Suggest lyrical rhymes for a song with an empowering theme.” Need to broaden your sonic palette? “I’m feeling musically adventurous! Suggest some unusual traditional African instruments I could play around with” Gemini is your brainstorming partner, ready to push your artistic boundaries.
The Power of Your Story: Your brand is more than a logo. It’s how you connect with your audience. Gemini can help you find your voice: “Help me craft an artist bio that captures my passion for social change through music.” Need to up your social media game? “Show me how other African artists effectively use TikTok.”
Decoding the Music Business: The music industry can feel like a maze – contracts, copyright laws, and navigating key players often requires insider knowledge. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask Gemini to break it down. Ask straightforward questions like, “If a song plays in a movie. Does the singer get paid for that? Explain like I’m 5?” and let Gemini explain it in a way that you’ll understand. Use the Google “G” button to double check if you need extra help.
Owning Your Look: In the world of music, your style speaks volumes. Gemini helps you explore: “How can I blend traditional Nigerian textiles with contemporary fashion trends?” Need inspiration? “Burna boy and Sho Majodzi are famed for their unique fashion sense. Help me find a bold, colourful outfit inspired by their style. I am 6ft tall and love hats.” Let Gemini be your image consultant.
Beyond the Music Videos: In the digital age, visuals amplify your message. Gemini can spark your video concepts. “Brainstorm music video ideas that celebrate the everyday beauty of Lagos.” Need help with the nuts and bolts? “What are the basic elements of a music video treatment?”
The Journey is Yours, Gemini’s Got Your Back
Becoming a global music star demands talent, grit, and the willingness to learn along the way. Gemini can’t guarantee fame, but it can provide knowledge, fuel your creativity, and help you tap into the resources needed to propel your career forward. So the next time you’re researching artist contracts, building your fanbase, or brainstorming your next music video, open your browser and type gemini.google.com, and Gemini will be your guide and partner in this thrilling musical adventure.
Telecom
Glo Felicitates Nigerians on Christmas Celebration
Nigeria’s technology company, Globacom, has extended warm felicitations to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebrations.
In a goodwill message released in Lagos, Globacom urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of love and kindness during the festive season, especially in the face of prevailing economic challenges.
The company emphasized the importance of practicing the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the virtues of obedience to God and loving one’s neighbor as well.
“Christ taught many virtues including obedience to God and loving one’s neighbour as oneself”, the company said, adding, “Now is the apt time to practise these teachings by sharing with the needy”.
Globacom also encouraged Nigerians to extend the conviviality of Christmas beyond the festive season by fostering love, peace, and harmony, as demonstrated by God through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Assuring its customers of uninterrupted services throughout the Yuletide period and beyond, Globacom urged them to take advantage of its innovative products and services to stay connected and share the memories of the season with loved ones.
Telecom
FG Gives Banks, Telcos Six-Month Deadline to Resolve N250Bn USSD Debt
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have ordered Deposit Money Banks and Mobile Network Operators to settle the long-standing N250bn USSD debt dispute before January 2, 2025.
The CBN and NCC also directed banks to pay the pre-Application Programming Interfaces (API) debt before July 2, 2025.
They also ordered that post-API debts be settled before December 31, 2024.
The directive was issued in a joint cirular titled, “2nd Joint Circular of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission on the Resolution of the USSD Debt Issue Between Deposit Money Banks and Mobile Network Operators.”
The circular dated December 20, 2024, was signed by Oladimeji Taiwo, acting director of the Payments System Management Department, CBN, and Chizua Whyte, head of Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC.
The regulators said, “In view of the foregoing, the CBN and the NCC hereby direct DMBs and MNOs as follows: 1. That 60 per cent of all pre-API invoices must be paid as full and final settlement.
“Payment plans (lump sum or installments) must be agreed upon between a concerned DMB and MNO by January 2, 2025. Installments must be based on equal monthly payments, with full payment due by July 2, 2025.
“DMBs must pay 85 per cent of all outstanding invoices issued after the implementation of APIs (i.e., February 2022) by December 31, 2024.
“Similarly, 85 per cent of future invoices must be liquidated within one month of service.”
According to the regulators, the transition to end-user billing will be activated only for DMBs and MNOs that comply with the payment conditions cobtained in the circular.
CBN and the NCC said they would provide further guidance on public enlightenment initiatives related to the transition.
The regulators also directed MNOs to implement the “10-seconds rule” for USSD invoicing.
This implies that any session lasting less than ten seconds will not be billable.
The regulators added, “Failure to comply with the terms outlined in this directive will attract necessary sanctions, ensuring that both DMBs and MNOs uphold their obligations.”
Telecom
NCC Launches Initiative to Combat Fraud, Spam Messaging
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a draft regulatory framework aimed at addressing fraud, spam, and other challenges in the Application-to-Person messaging sector.
The telecom regulator made this announcement in a statement.
The proposed framework, which was introduced during a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, is said to be a key step towards enhancing the sector’s integrity and ensuring a fair, transparent environment for all parties involved.
The draft framework, presented by Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, who was represented by Chizua Whyte, NCC’s acting head of legal and regulatory services, seeks to regulate the A2P messaging space.
The A2P messaging, used for notifications such as bank alerts, promotional campaigns, and government updates, has become a vital communication tool in Nigeria.
However, the sector faces significant challenges, including consumer protection concerns, fraud, and data privacy issues, as well as an unequal distribution of value within the ecosystem.
“The international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces gaps that have led to issues such as fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns. These challenges threaten the sustainable growth of this communication tool,” the NCC said.
The proposed framework aims to address these challenges by protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and holding service providers accountable.
“This forum marks a pivotal step towards addressing these challenges. We are here to engage with all stakeholders—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to refine the framework and ensure it meets the needs of the entire ecosystem.”
The NCC stressed the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in creating an effective regulatory environment.
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