MTN and TIDAL partnered to bring affordable music streaming to MTN customers in Uganda. They built quite a unique proposition that enables customers pay with Mobile Money inclusive of flexible subscription of between 1 day to 30 days. A customer can even choose a subscription with or without streaming data.

What is TIDAL?

TIDAL is a subscription-based music streaming service. On TIDAL consumers can get full access to music with high sound quality, high-quality music videos and expertly curated editorial.

Users can stream TIDAL Music from both Smart Mobile Devices (Smartphones, Tablets) and Desktops. Service is available on both Android (Android: OS version 6+) and iOS devices (iOS: OS version 10.3+); OS Window 7+, mac OSX 10.9

What makes TIDAL different from other online streaming services?

TIDAL is currently owned by Jay-Z and a variety of other successful music artists, making it the first artist-owned streaming service in the world. Among the benefits of TIDAL:

  • Over 60 million high-quality songs and over 250,000 high-quality music videos
  • Wide curation of International and local music.
  • New music released every Friday.
  • Flexible and unique subscription packages using MTN Mobile Money Subscribe for 1, 3, 7 and 30 days. Buy subscription with or without streaming data Subsidized subscription for our MTN Pulse customers
  • Exclusive content releases only available on TIDAL
  • Live experiences that are exclusive to TIDAL

What platforms can I use TIDAL on?

Users can stream TIDAL Music from both Smart Mobile Devices (Smartphones, Tablets) and Desktops. TIDAL is available on both Android (Android: OS version 6+) and iOS devices (iOS: OS version 10.3+); OS Window 7+, mac OSX 10.9

How do I start using TIDAL?

Step 1: Dial 16566# and Select TIDAL Step 2: Activate a Subscription of your choice

  • If it is your first time on TIDAL: Select and activate TIDAL FREE trial- This will give you a one- time FREE trial of TIDAL for 30 days. If you don’t want the FREE trial, proceed to activate a paid-for subscription.
  • If you have already completed your FREE trial on TIDAL: Select and activate a subscription of your choice. You will have to pay for the subscription

Step 3: You will receive 2 SMS one with your TIDAL Logins and another with a link to the App Store OR Play Store to download the TIDAL App. Step 4: Download and Install App Step 5: Open App and Click Login Step 6: Enter your username and password (as provided in the SMS) Step 7: Click Login

What is the TIDAL FREE trial?

As part of the service, all first-time users are given the option to try the service for FREE. This is a One Time only offer aimed to introduce users to TIDAL Music streaming service. With the FREE trial, a user gets 30 days of unpaid access to TIDAL music streaming. This also includes streaming data.

At the expiry of the FREE trial offer, a user MUST activate a paid-for subscription to continue accessing TIDAL.

How do I pay for TIDAL subscription?

You pay using MTN Mobile Money (MTN MoMo). Dial 16566# and choose any of the options from 2 to 4.

Subscription ONLY: This gives a user access to TIDAL service. However, the user must also activate a normal data bundle to stream music

Subscription with DATA: This gives the user access to TIDAL Service including data meaning that the user does NOT buy data to stream the service.

MTN Pulse Offer with DATA: This gives the user access to TIDAL Service including data meaning that the user does NOT buy data to stream the service. Further, this a discounted offer limited to MTN Pulse customers. Non-MTN Pulse customers who attempt to activate it will get a decline.

How much is TIDAL subscription?

A customer can choose any of the options below at the price indicated:

Options1 Day3 Days7 Days30 Days
Cost6001500400010,000
With Data15003500600015000
MTN Pulse Offer10002000500012000

Can I pay for TIDAL subscription using my airtime?

No. You can pay ONLY with MTN Mobile Money

What type of content do I get to listen to on TIDAL?

TIDAL has Music, Videos, Podcasts and exclusive content. We have over 60 million songs in all your favourite genres like Hip Hop, Reggae, RnB, Jazz, Country, Gospel, Nigerian, Ugandan, South African etc.

Is TIDAL only for International music?

No. It has a rich catalogue of both international and Uganda Music

Who are some of the local musicians with content on TIDAL?

Some of the local artists include; Chameleone, Vinka, Sheebah, Geosteady, Radio & Weasel, Irene Ntale, Rhema, Beenie Gunter, Spice Diana, Winnie Nwagi, Apass and Levixone among others.

I am Unable to Download the TIDAL App from Play Store OR Appstore

Message when downloading TIDAL APP: Your Device is not compatible with this version Reason: It means that the Android OR iOS version on your phone is not compatible with the TIDAL App. Therefore, you will not be able to successfully download the TIDAL App What to do to use TIDAL in this case: Upgrade your device to Android: OS version 6+ OR iOS: OS version 10.3+, Desktop: OS Window 7+, mac OSX 10.9

How do I change my MTN TIDAL password?

  • Login to TIDAL
  • Go to My Collection
  • Click on Settings
  • Click on Username (i.e. Your number)
  • Scroll down to Change Password

I am not able to connect and stream when I have NO DATA

Message when downloading TIDAL APP: No Connection – Tap to refresh Reason: You have no data connection to allow you to proceed to stream music on TIDAL. If you have activated the FREE Trial (it includes data) OR Subscription with Data offer (it includes data). Try one of the following:

  • Check that your Mobile Data is enabled and if you have an active data bundle
  • Check that you have the correct settings for your APN: Yellopix.mtn.co.ug
  • If you have activated a subscription ONLY offer, activate an MTN Data bundle

I did not receive my login details when I activated my TIDAL Subscription

Reason: Normally when a user activates TIDAL offer for the first time, the user receives a Welcome SMS with login details: Username and Initial Password. Due to a network constraint, a user may not receive. As a result, the user cannot log onto TIDAL, yet the service has been activated for the user What to do to use TIDAL in this case:

As a standard, a user’s name on TIDAL is the MTN number in the format 2567XXXXXXXX without the “+” sign. In this case “Request for a Password Reset”. This will allow you to get a new password so that you can login. Follow these steps:

  • Open TIDAL App
  • Select Login
  • Enter username i.e. Your MTN number starting with 256
  • Click reset password
  • You will receive an SMS with a link to reset password
  • Click the link and follow instructions
  • Enter a new password of your choice
  • Once successful password change, Open TIDAL App and Login

Reason: TIDAL is an international service available in over 50 countries. In other countries usernames are linked to email OR Facebook/Google+ Logins. In Uganda, your MTN Number is your username. What to do to use TIDAL in this case:

  • Close the TIDAL App
  • Dial 16566# to activate a TIDAL Subscription
  • Receive SMS with login details
  • Open the TIDAL App
  • Select Login
  • Enter username i.e. Your MTN number starting with 256

How do I Recover OR change my Password?

  • Open TIDAL App
  • Select Login
  • Enter username i.e. Your MTN number starting with 256
  • Click reset password
  • You will receive a SMS with a link to reset password
  • Click the link and follow instructions
  • Enter a new password of your choice
  • Once successful password change, Open TIDAL App and Login

About Onyait Odeke

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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