419 Radio - Social Networking Site for Scammers?
Whether you have been scammed before or not, I’m very sure that the very knowledge of an internet radio with the name 419 is probably not the best place to be. Perhaps for some who are curious.
419 Radio is an online Nigerian internet radio service that offers free music in order to promote artists and producers in Nigeria’s emerging entertainment industry. The internet radio can be used to promote movies, songs, artists, events and other features in the entertainment industry.
What Are The Features?
419 Radio’s player (on beta) continues to shuffle Nigerian songs of various genres non-stop. The whole idea is to have a true radio that plays random high quality Nigerian songs from urban to oldies. The player limits the number of times you can skip songs before it forces you to listen to a full song.
The site currently streams approximately 500 Nigerian songs and the number keeps increasing everyday. The site has 6 votes on Sturvs (as at the time of writing this post).
But Why Use the term “419″?
According to the site’s disclaimer,
We received a lot of backlash at the beginning of 419 Radio because of the name we chose to use. As stated in our disclaimer, 419 Radio does not in anyway promote the criminal activity (Advance Fee Fraud) referred to as the ‘419′ criminal code in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ‘419′ as a term is used as a buzzword to create interest and publicity within our target audience.
What this means is that, since 419 has become a major (negative) buzzword around the world - and in most cases linked to Nigeria, it becomes a way to get people’s attention to a new startup? A startup that should add value to the community/society?
Well, my first impression is that the site’s name is totally useless as it not only creates a bad image of Nigeria, but also shows the lack of creativity on the part of some Nigerian web entrepreneurs. Personally, I’m concerned about the image of Nigeria on the internet and for a site to just pop up with the name 419 and say they are in no way promoting criminal activity is just like saying:
We know we are not terrorists or promoting the practice, but we like the word ‘terrorism’ and love to be associated by that name
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not discouraging innovation, but you’ve got to show some credibility in your innovation. Period. My suggestion is that, the founders reconsider and rename their site, since it doesn’t even have anything to do with music, artists promotion, etc. I wonder why domain names like that are allowed.
Could it be a way to get more email addresses from people that register in order to scam them?
What are your thoughts?
In no way is 419 a good buzzword for a site like that…their reason is pretty lame… Just like glorifying ” Yahoo Yahoo” while denying the practice..
I think the idea is quite daft. The claim that it was to alter the image of 419 is ludicrous. These folks need to get their game right.
It’s a misguided notion that Nigerians always want to be identified with all things ‘Naija’. In the abscence of more appropriate world-wide recognition that something is proudly Nigerian, the noteriety of 419 gives them an immediate hook. Besides, believe it or not, there are some people who have no idea what 419 means, they just know it’s a Nigerian thing. Go figure.
Thanks people. We’d be figuring it out as opportunities permit. Again, thanks for your interests and concerns.
Lolobloggs makes a good point, that there is “a misguided notion that Nigerians always want to be identified with all things ‘Naija’”. That cannot be a longterm strategy for any serious enterprise because who knows what will happen in a few months or years time? The customer’s tastes change, they get older,… It is very possible that by some feat, the term ‘419′ will shed its negative connotations, but why saddle your business with that term? No serious business/business person can create a business with the sole aim of attracting Nigerian consumers alone, in my opinion. But I could be wrong. I wish these people the best of luck and hope they turn this venture into a rousing success.
lol.. interesting name
niggaz with attitude (NWA)
reclaim the word………………………..
If I am to start a new start-up, I will not even come close to using 419. Its a word that kills but yet it worked out for 419 Radio.
These guys must have a reason for that!
My name is rotty_d i’m a musician from aj city i want u guys to promote one of my song dat i titled dance instrumental which i recorded at bakayad studio last year.this is my phone num &my email 07035352453,rotty-d4gold09@yahoo.com.