Tshwane to host Global Music Industry for attraction ACCES 2025
n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n SOUTH AFRICA– Tshwane is set to become the epicentre of the global music industry this October as it hosts the 2025 Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) from October 30 to
anostrofy By Dumisani Ndlovu
SOUTH AFRICA– Tshwane is set to become the epicentre of the global music industry this October as it hosts the 2025 Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) from October 30 to November 1. This marks the first time Africa's leading music trade event will converge on the city, promising three unforgettable days of high-leve7l discussions, live performances, and international networking.
The milestone event is expected to draw over 1,000 delegates and leading experts from more than 45 countries, bringing together Grammy-winning producers, label executives, and Africa’s most exciting new talent to shape the future of African and global music.
Among the confirmed "movers and shakers" are multi-Grammy Award-winning US record producer Commissioner Gordon Williams, best known for his work with Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, and Alicia Keys. He will be joined by industry leaders such as Bizzle Osikoya (The Plug, Nigeria), Dolapo Amusat (WeTalkSound, Nigeria), Kikelomo Oludemi (Oroko Radio, UK/Nigeria), Cécilia Pietrzko (Grown Kid, France), Laurent Corthay (World Bank, Mozambique), Kwame Safo (British Council, UK), and Jiggs Thorne (MTN Bushfire, Eswatini), alongside dozens of African artists, journalists, and cultural entrepreneurs.
Discussions will delve into crucial themes shaping the music landscape, including improving access to finance, developing festivals and export platforms, strengthening artist protection, promotion and copyright, and exploring the impact of new innovations such as artificial intelligence.
A major highlight will be the two-day Showcase Festival, presenting more than 80 African musicians on October 30 and November 1 in the heart of Tshwane. The impressive line-up includes South African stars Focalistic, Zoë Modiga, Mörda, Kekelingo, Jabulile Majola, Bokani Dyer, Thakzin, Naledi Aphiwe, Shandesh, and Charles Gene Suite. They will be joined by talent from across the continent, including Claudio Rabe (Réunion Island), Boukuru (Rwanda), Mwendamberi (Zimbabwe), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Njoki Karu (Kenya), FimFim (Ghana), Frida Amani (Tanzania), Oumy (Senegal), and Tobi Peter (Nigeria).
Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), emphasized the event's significance. "ACCES has become the meeting point for the world’s music industry and Africa’s creative heartbeat," Hatitye stated. "With Tshwane as our host city this year, we are creating a space where African voices can influence the global conversation, and where new opportunities for collaboration, trade and investment will be born." The conference will also provide numerous capacity-building opportunities for local talent through masterclasses, workshops, and mentorship programmes.
ACCES is a pan-African trade show designed for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages. Held in a different African city each year, it attracts active music industry professionals from across the globe. ACCES 2025 is organized by the non-profit pan-African Music In Africa Foundation, in partnership with the City of Tshwane, the South African National Conventions Bureau, and the SAMPRA Development Fund.
The arrival of ACCES 2025 in Tshwane signals a pivotal moment for the city and the broader African music landscape, positioning it squarely on the global stage for innovation, collaboration, and artistic exchange.
