Mazika Recognised as top Finalist for the ASBU BroadcastPro ME Awards 2014

Mazika, the first mobile and web music platform for the up and coming stars of the future music underground movement and an application created by ArpuPlus, a leading mobile Value Added service provider (VAS) and monetisation platform solutions across the Middle East and an OTVentures company, has been shortlisted as a top finalist for the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) BroadcastPro ME Awards and Summit 2014. The awards recognise and celebrate excellence in the broadcast industry across the Arab region. The Summit will take place on the day and will cover the various aspects of the broadcast industry.

This year, Mazika is among the favorites for the "Outstanding MENA OTT Initiative" category. The awards distinguish the region's most acclaimed products and talents that have been driving the broadcast industry. The Ceremony will take place on November 11th, and will welcome a judging panel comprising of industry experts that will join together to review the top entries across key categories. The categories were, MENA Broadcast Trendsetter of 2014, MENA Systems Integrator, ASBU BroadcastPro ME 2014, Innovative Project Award, Innovative Production of 2014, Best long-form Production, Best Studio Set of the Year, Broadcast Project of the Year, Outstanding MENA OTT Initiative and Best Telco/Broadcast Initiative.

Moustapha Bekheet, Head of Mazika, who will be taking part into the debate about traditional versus new broadcast media at the summit, said: "With this shortlisting, Mazika is recognized as one of the key players in the Over-the-top content (OTT)¹ industry in the Arab world. Mazika is dedicated to keep the underground music scene alive and kicking for many years. With a growing trend in the smartphone usage, we have worked to offer users the ability to stay in touch with music in a more convenient and more portable way than ever. Mazika makes music part of the mobile world and will revolutionise the digital music consumption in the region. The platform will give the next generation the opportunity to showcase an upcoming music culture in all of its different forms. "

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1-       Over-the-top content (OTT) refers to delivery of audio, video, and other media over the Internet without a multiple-system operator being involved in the control or distribution of the content

Music lovers can access the upcoming and underground music of their choice. With a large and continuously growing library of great singles, the users can discover the latest hits and follow celebrities' news. They can share their taste in music on social networks with friends. The digital music platform is an ideal venue for upcoming talents to be featured and launched to the wider Arab public. Mazika supports new and upcoming artists in the region driven by its wide experience and long track record. It also recommends a list of the most played hits directing the users and offering interesting perks and features on the move.

The music platform was created by ArpuPlus, a leading mobile Value Added service provider (VAS) and monetisation platform solutions across the Middle East and an OTVentures company. ArpuPlus is one of the leading content aggregators in MENA and has a long term partnership with the most prestigious music labels and local music providers in the Arab World.

Adham el Gazzar, Managing Director of ArpuPlus, commented: “Through established relationships with more than 40 operators in the region, Mazika is widening its strong partnership with mobile operators to reach more music lovers and enhance their user experience. With a strong music catalogue from across the Arab region, Mazika is an established music brand since 1998 with local experience and flavor in music delivery that caters to the Arab users' taste."

Tailored to the Arab users' lifestyle, the digital music portal partners with top record labels to offer the best music hits. It has an Arabic and English interface and is available on iPhones, Androids, Windows Phones, and Blackberry. Mazika engages music lovers with a state of the art design that offers a wide music catalogue. The platform also gives options to customise playlists, share and dedicate music.

Winners of the ASBU BroadcastPro ME Awards will be announced at a ceremony on November 11th at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.

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Issued by Borouj Consulting. For more information, please contact: Randa Mazzawi randa@boroujconsulting.com or Mayssa Makhlouf mayssa@boroujconsulting.com at Tel: +9714 3403005.  Follow us on Twitter: @Borouj.