Mista Karoge: A Brief History of Tech in Karaoke

Since 2006

Mista Karoge, both entertaining and technically, has been in the thick of the karaoke industry, Serving under different capacities from #1 Host and Super KJ to General Manager and Corporate Affairs Director.

Increased regional reach, chaotic corporate transitions and scripted industry shifts; so much has happened as we do our business of engaging and interacting with our target.

One of the largest projects that we have been researching and developing is on the verge of being launched Karoge Mobile helps you download Kenyan Karaoke-style videos of your favorite Kenyan Hit songs to your mobile phone. Learning the Lyrics as you sing along.

In early 2011, out of dissatisfaction with what was the mobile industry status quo, Safaricom was approached as a content provider platform using guerrilla tactics - ambushed an executive officer at a favorite local hang out.

We only had content, and it meant they had to set up a platform specific for the karaoke mobile videos. Then came Bobby Collymore who shifted goal posts (thank you) with his super reshuffle; we paused the project.

Enter 2012

Back to Safaricom PLC; corporate portfolio with digital assets:

• We have an already running independent mobile platform with 2 short codes 2034 and 56996. All exclusively on Safaricom.

• The platform does not only meet the Local and International Standards, but also supersedes - It offers the subscriber a chance to choose their weekly videos and does not force specific content on the subscriber.

• We have a Facebook page to sample one category. The Karoge Gospel Page on facebook has received a very good response for the 60 second gospel samples.

• We have a 1 year waiver from MCSK for Karoge Roadshows all over Kenya... and we are just getting started. All these are just tips of the iceberg.

Currently

We hire karaoke equipment to over 15 entertainment spots every week through the year. A typical gig consists of a celebrity host who makes it easy for the patrons to sing out using club effects and crowd activation mechanics. A KJ (karaoke jockey) handles all the hardware and is the interface controller. The future is certain that the Karaoke Machines are being wiped out.

We shall introduce our 4th Generation of Karaoke Machines, for 2013 and 2014. Then our 5th and last Generation, Omega, in 2015, for 2015 and 2016. After 2016, we shall not require Karaoke Machines in Kenya anymore. We shall have entirely gone Digital Broadcast.

Looking Back: 1st Generation (2006-2007) - PC with CPU. Code name Alpha

2nd Generation (2008-2010) - DVD based. Code name BlackBox

3rd Generation (2011-2013) - USB based. Code name XXXXX - (The code name is still confidential, will be released in 2013, after the period expires.) P.S. 2013 Predictions...

Our next Generation of Machines will have 3D capability to meet the digital transformation that will pop between 2013 and 2014.

We shall have an Application on Android, that will enable the user to control the karaoke machine using his mobile. The mobile device will serve as the songbook and the remote for our karaoke machine.

See you inside?

#mistakaroge #karaoke