Digital Dash by Afdtechtalk

Somewhere in April, we recorded an episode (two actually) via Zoom. We could not release them due to sound issues. And so we put it on hold until further notice. Things will get better soon, we thought. We have never been more wrong. 

May, June, July have passed. Since we have accepted this is the "new normal", we're coming out of our hiatus. On Founders' Day, we met in person to record a couple of episodes. We had a three hour chat before recording to this episode because sooo much has happened and we wanted to catch up. We ended up talking about any and everything. 

It's good to be back! Enjoy this mixed bag!

This is the concluding part of the episode that aired last week. Six cases of the Novel Coronavirus have been reported in Ghana. On this episode, we have a look at how viruses spread, debunk a couple of myths, charge our listeners to be cautious without panicking, apps and certain measures you can employ to reduce contact. We also take a trip to the Wet Market in Wuhan to try and understand its origins. We also share a looooong list of movies about viral pandemics you can watch at home while you self-quarantine. 

Please note that none of the panelists is a medical professional and so we had to consult before putting information out. Special thanks to Dr. Stanley Biney and Dr. Samuel Owusu-Achiaw for their assistance. If there is anything we state incorrectly or take out of context, please tweet at us @afdtechtalk so we update our notes. 

I totally forgot to write this episode's description. Check back later.

WhatsApp may have the numbers but Telegram has the features. On today's episode, Kwamina tries to convince Selorm to switch to Telegram.

In 2018, music streaming overtook physical and digital music sales for the first time in history, accounting for 38% of all recorded music revenue. Subscription-based music streaming has, to a significant extent, saved music sales which experienced a revenue slump of 40% between 1999 and 2014.  

Music streaming has influenced the way music is produced and consumed to different extents and along different regional contexts. We have seen the quick rise and exportation of artists like Teni, Odunsi, Madjozi, and dozens of other African music artists thanks to the ubiquity offered by these streaming services and their algorithms. 

In the local context of equitability, Nigerian music has dominated the sub-Saharan African and Ghanaian Music charts and concerts in recent years, for different debatable reasons. Perhaps a few lessons could be learnt from the Nigerian music industry’s playbook to harness streaming technology just as successfully, even if it means optimizing the way music is consumed, produced and marketed.  On today's episode, we are joined in the studio by Benewaah Boateng, the Director of Harmattan Rain to discuss major topical issues with regards to streaming technology.

When this topic was first suggested, Selorm's reaction was "This is a podcast, not a PHD dissertation." Nii Acquaye also referred me to our tagline ("As simple as zeros and ones"). The reception was hilarious. 

On this episode, we discuss Digital Culture and Digital Technology, as well as our views on the wild intersections on our habits and tech. We explore whether we need digital culture to influence digital technology or vice versa. We also throw more light on recent trends powered by digital technology such as the "Share culture", "Cancel movement", "MeToo movement" and a host of others. 

Since we are getting ready ready for Christmas, watch out for a surprise announcement as you listen to the podcast. You have to be very attentive. Mention us on Twitter and we will let you know what happens next. Shalom.

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