By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Tshwane – The heartbeat of Africa’s music industry will pulse from the city of Tshwane this October as it prepares to host the prestigious Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES).
Running from 30 October to 1 November 2025, ACCES 2025 is set to gather over 1,000 music industry stakeholders from more than 45 countries, marking a historic first for Tshwane.
Presented by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in partnership with the City of Tshwane, the South African National Conventions Bureau, and the SAMPRA Development Fund, ACCES has become the continent’s premier music trade event—uniting global thought leaders, top artists, and emerging talent under one roof.
“ACCES has become the meeting point for the world’s music industry and Africa’s creative heartbeat,” said Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of MIAF.
“With Tshwane as our host city this year, we are creating a space where African voices can influence the global conversation.”
Star-Studded Line-up & Showcase Festival
ACCES 2025 will feature a vibrant Showcase Festival, spotlighting more than 80 artists from across the African continent. Confirmed performers include:
Focalistic, Zoë Modiga, Mörda, Thakzin, Kekelingo (South Africa)
Mpho Sebina (Botswana), FimFim (Ghana), Frida Amani (Tanzania)
Njoki Karu (Kenya), Oumy (Senegal), Mwendamberi (Zimbabwe)
Claudio Rabe (Réunion Island), Tobi Peter (Nigeria), and many more
These performances will take place in central Tshwane venues, promising two electrifying nights of African sound and creativity.
Industry Talks, Masterclasses & Global Networking
ACCES 2025 isn’t just about performances—it’s about shaping the future of music. Attendees can expect:
High-level panel discussions on AI, artist protection, copyright, and music export platforms
Workshops and mentorship programmes tailored for emerging African artists
Networking with some of the most influential names in music, including:
Commissioner Gordon Williams (USA), multi-Grammy-winning producer for Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys
Bizzle Osikoya (The Plug, Nigeria), Dolapo Amusat (WeTalkSound, Nigeria)
Kikelomo Oludemi (Oroko Radio, UK/Nigeria), Kwame Safo (British Council, UK)
Jiggs Thorne (MTN Bushfire, Eswatini), among many others
A Platform for African Innovation & Influence
With a strong focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange, ACCES 2025 seeks to boost Africa’s position in the global music economy. Discussions will delve into themes like:
Financing and investment in music
Strengthening festivals and touring circuits
The role of tech and AI in music production and distribution
Policy, rights management and artist sustainability
Registration & Info
ACCES 2025 is open to artists, producers, managers, promoters, policy-makers, researchers and anyone passionate about Africa’s music industry. Full details, including how to register, will be available on the Music In Africa website
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About ACCES
ACCES is a pan-African music trade show held annually in a different African city. It is a key event for discovering talent, sharing knowledge, and building networks between Africa and the world. Previous editions have been held in cities like Dakar, Nairobi, Accra, and Dar es Salaam.
Tshwane, gear up: the world is coming to your stage!
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