Voice messaging and media company launches social, sports apps in Africa

Kirusa — a New Jersey-based leader in voice messaging and social media mobile apps in emerging markets — announced Wednesday its launch of Celeb Connect and Sports Connect services in the Ivory Coast.In partnership with Moov — part of Etisalat Telecom, a leading operator in West Africa and Central Africa — Celeb Connect can now connect Moov subscribers with their favorite celebrities, while Sports Connect can enable subscribers to receive soccer updates via mobile devices.

Celeb Connect adds voice to celebrity-fan interactions, creating a more personal and emotional “Voice Twitter”-like experience. Participating stars now include actors and musicians such as John Zaibo Jay, Kajeem, Nash, DJ Kejevara and Betika.

Sports Connect provides subscribers with daily soccer updates such as team news, pre- and post-match analyses and quotes from coaches and players. The service, offered in partnership with goal.com, includes updates regarding popular European clubs, such as Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea.

“Celeb Connect enables you to move beyond just reading celebrity posts, to hearing updates recorded in their own voice,” said Isabelle Hajri, chief commercial officer of Moov Ivory Coast.

“One can also share posts to Twitter and Facebook, all with a single tap on your mobile phone. Moreover, Sports Connect does not let you miss a single memorable moment from your favorite soccer club.”

Kirusa — headquartered in New Providence — offers mobile solutions such as InstaVoice, Celeb Connect and Sports Connect apps with more than 35 carriers in Africa, India, Latin America and the Middle East. Kirusa’s services are used monthly by more than 80 million mobile users. The company has been recognized as one of Top 20 most promising technology companies by Silicon India, and one of the Top 25 emerging technology companies by Smart Techie magazine.

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