Continental music station Channel O and mobile phone giant Motorola have partnered to launch season two of the popular African music programme Urban Massive, which showcases the evolution and development of music across Africa.

The weekly one-hour programme is committed to capturing the essence of Africa's own sound and will be available to Channel O audiences in over 40 African countries on DStv (channel 87). Season 2 runs from August through to October 2006 and will see the Urban Massive Crew visiting Angola, DRC, Ghana, Cameroon, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa and Ethiopia.

According to Jacky Humphries, Motorola's marketing and Business Development Director, the company firmly believes in the power of music, particularly as a cultural phenomenon - and intends to make music more accessible through its support of initiatives like Urban Massive.

"Motorola's sponsorship of Urban Massive is based on our commitment to developing and supporting the music industry in Africa, and as a result, we hope to help make the show Africa's choice for local music viewing and listening pleasure," says Humphries.


Channel O's General Manager Yolisa Phahle agrees saying that Channel O's commitment to Africa is a long-standing one that has grown alongside the continent's enduring passion for music. "It's a very exciting time for African music right now.

The top radio airplay tracks are increasingly local as opposed to being international and artists like Zola (South Africa), 2Face (Nigeria) and Nameless (Kenya) are producing world-class music that is getting recognition globally. Urban Massive was a huge success last year and this year it's looking like being even bigger and better. The fact that Motorola is behind this project brings great credibility and is a sign of their confidence in the music of this continent."

Urban Massive is hosted by popular Channel 0 presenter Kabelo 'KB' Ngakane. As the show travels through Africa, KB will be treated to a VIP guided tour through each city it visits by the most popular recording artist in that country. KB will also interview top radio DJs musicians and fashion designers while visiting hip and happening nightspots and live music venues in his travels across the continent.

In each episode, guests will also receive free phones courtesy of Motorola, leaving them with a lasting impression of their Urban Massive experience. The show will also be hosting 6 concerts in South Africa, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. These will feature top local acts and DJs and will be hosted by KB and local celebrities. Urban Massive will premier on Channel O on Thursday, August 3rd with a rebroadcast on Mondays.