CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: ACCES 2025 MUSIC SHOWCASES

The Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) invites African musicians based on the continent to apply for an opportunity to showcase at ACCES 2025 in Tshwane, South Africa, from 13 to 15 November.

One of the largest music trade events in Africa, ACCES was created by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in 2017 as a platform to foster the development of the African music industry. The event travels to different locations, offering a diverse programme of activities, including a two-day conference, a two-day showcase festival, exhibitions, policy seminars, industry awards, masterclasses, songwriting camps, and workshops.

ACCES offers a platform for performers to showcase their talent to a diverse audience of local and international delegates, including festival curators, promoters, booking agents, record labels and other influential industry professionals.

Since its launch in 2017, ACCES has grown into a key platform for Africa’s music industry, fostering knowledge exchange, networking opportunities, and the promotion of emerging talents. Last year, ACCES was attended by more than 1,000 delegates in Kigali, Rwanda. Previous editions have been held in Dakar (2017), Nairobi (2018), Accra (2019), Johannesburg (COVID-19 edition in 2021), and Dar es Salaam (2022 and 2023).

The application deadline is 31 May 2025 (23:59 CAT).

WHO CAN APPLY?

  • This call is open to African musicians (solo artists, bands, DJs, etc.) based on the continent.
  • Applicants should be emerging musicians who will genuinely benefit from the opportunity and boost their careers internationally.
  • Applicants must be able to deliver an outstanding live performance.
  • Applicants should be export-ready.
  • All genres are welcome.
  • All participants must be over 18 years old.
  • All applications must be based on live performances and original music. No backing tracks.
  • Performances supporting political parties or religious faith are not permissible. 
  • Artists who have already performed at ACCES may only apply again after five years, from the year of their last performance.

 

NOTE: Applications can be submitted by the artists themselves or their representatives (managers, publishers, labels, agents and promoters).

 

 

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING

  • Applicants should be prepared to be available for the duration of ACCES and to perform on any of the dates (14, 15 November 2025).
  • Musicians based outside Tshwane should be prepared to provide their own funding for transport costs to and from Tshwane. Proof will be required from selected acts for contract signature, and priority will be given to applicants who are most likely to make it to ACCES.
  • Selected acts will be showcased to a diverse audience of local and international music professionals from across the music industry as well as other influential audiences.
  • Performers will receive a modest honorarium.
  • Two-night accommodation and a per diem for performers from outside Gauteng.
  • One band manager only may be included in the travelling party and benefit from the same support as the performing band members.
  • Visa costs, where applicable (reimbursed against receipts).
  • Local transport (related to the performance).
  • Regular sound and lights plus basic shared backline.
  • Professional video recording of the performance.
  • Full access to all ACCES activities, venues and delegate database.
  • Promotion across the Music In Africa and ACCES platforms (programme, newsletters, press releases, website, social media, etc.).
  • Media campaign.
  • A space at ACCES venue(s) for showcasing artists to sell their merchandise.
  • Potential performing opportunities within the Music In Africa festival network, which has over 50 festivals across the world.
Apply now(link is external)