Global music industry set to visit Tshwane for ACCES 2025

For the first time in its history, ACCES – Africa’s leading music trade event – comes to Tshwane, promising three unforgettable days of high-level discussions, live performances and international networking. The event will bring together the people shaping the future of music, from Grammy-winning producers and label executives to Africa’s most exciting new talent.

Highlights

• Over 1 000 delegates and leading experts from more than 45 countries will gather in Tshwane to shape the future of African and global music.
• From Grammy winners to African trailblazers, ACCES 2025 presents unique networking opportunities for music industry stakeholders.
• More than 80 musicians from across the continent will perform at a two- day showcase festival in the heart of Tshwane.
• Numerous capacity-building opportunities for local talent, including masterclasses, workshops and mentorship.

Movers and shakers

Among the experts are multi-Grammy Award-winning US record producer Commissioner Gordon Williams, best known for his work with Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys; 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.

Some of the key themes on the 2025 programme include 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.

Showcase Festival

This year’s Showcase Festival will present more than 80 African musicians on 30 October and 1 November. Top acts on the line-up include Focalistic (South Africa), Mörda (South Africa), Zoë Modiga (South Africa), Claudio Rabe (Réunion Island), Kekelingo (South Africa), Boukuru (Rwanda), Jabulile Majola (South Africa), Mwendamberi (Zimbabwe), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Bokani Dyer (South Africa), Njoki Karu (Kenya), FIMFIM (Ghana), Thakzin (South Africa), Naledi Aphiwe (South Africa), Frida Amani (Tanzania), Oumy (Senegal), Shandesh (South Africa), Tobi Peter (Nigeria) and Charles Gene Suite (South Africa).

“ACCES has become the meeting point for the world’s music industry and Africa’s creative heartbeat,” said Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF). “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.”

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages. Held in a different African city each year, ACCES attracts active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES 2025 is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organisation, in partnership with the City of Tshwane, the South African National Conventions Bureau, and the SAMPRA Development Fund. See all our sponsors and partners here.