Tidal launches music education hub

The learning hub seeks to expand learners’ music knowledge and encourage them to explore various genres around the globe with a collection of songs inspired by unique genres and geographic locations.

“While music trends change, the foundational sounds highlighted throughout these playlists will continue to shape music for years to come,” Tidal executive vice-president and editor-in-chief of programming Tony Gervino said. “As listeners, knowing this history builds a deeper appreciation and elevates the connection between artists and fans. Through content like the Music School, we’re doubling down on our mission to put artists and music fans first by creating new ways to listen to and discover new music.”

The hub comprises components such as Genre for Beginners with information on various styles. For Kids introduces young children to various genres, while Musicology and the Dive Deeper segments take a more in-depth look into music. Geography for Beginners, meanwhile, entails learning information about different countries around the world. The hub also includes content for instruments, and the playlists are expected to be updated on a regular basis.

Tidal launched in Africa through a partnership with mobile network MTN, starting in Uganda then Nigeria before expanding to the rest of the continent. Last year, the company bolstered its efforts to highlight the continent’s thriving music scene by adding an African music hub to its platform, a new genre page focusing on music from Africa. 

The new initiative forms part of the company’s drive to create more opportunities for artists. In 2020, it launched its fan-centred royalties model, which directly connects usage and royalties from individual listens by HiFi Plus users, instead of aggregating payouts like the traditional pro rata system.

Hip hop legend Jay-Z acquired Tidal’s parent company, Aspiro, for about $56m in January 2015. Last year, Jack Dorsey-founded Square, Inc. purchased majority ownership of the music streaming company for a reported $297m, while Jay-Z retained his position as a member of the board.