Zakes Bantwini and TxC to Speak at ACCES 2025 in Tshwane

Bantwini, born Zakhele Madida, will feature on the panel Unlocking revenue across borders: Building Africa’s global music value chain. The discussion will unpack how revenue moves through the global music industry and explore ways for African creators to benefit more fairly from their work.

Joining him on the panel are multi-Grammy-winning producer Commissioner Gordon Williams (US), Akotchayé Okio, Director of International Development at SACEM (France), and South African music executive Wendy Verwey Bekker. Together, they will explore how income flows from streaming platforms to rights holders and artists, while proposing strategies to strengthen Africa’s position in the global value chain.

Celebrated for his fusion of house, jazz and Afro-pop, Bantwini earned a Grammy Award in 2022 for Best Global Music Performance with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode. Beyond his artistic success, he has become an influential advocate for fairer industry structures and creative entrepreneurship in South Africa.

Meanwhile, TxC, made up of Tarryn and Clairise, will join a fireside chat titled Rooted sounds, global stages: African music’s next chapter, alongside DJ Karri and Lanre Masha. The session will examine how African artists are extending their global reach while remaining grounded in their cultural identities.

Originating from Gqeberha and now based in Johannesburg, TxC have helped drive amapiano’s rise on the international stage through high-energy performances and innovative digital engagement. Their success reflects the growing global influence of African genres and the new opportunities emerging for women in electronic music.

Now in its eighth edition, the Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) has established itself as one of the continent’s most influential music industry gatherings. It brings together artists, producers, policymakers and investors to encourage dialogue, collaboration and professional growth within Africa’s music ecosystem.

“ACCES continues to be a space where creative professionals can exchange ideas, form partnerships, and explore ways to make the African music landscape more fair and globally competitive,” said Music In Africa Foundation Projects Officer Claire Matais.

This year’s speaker line-up also includes CAPASSO CEO Jotam Matariro, Vth Season founder Benza, Downtown Music Africa managing director Thando Makhunga, HEVA Fund finance director Dr Karimi Ngeera, British Council arts relationship manager Kwame Safo, SAMPRA CEO Pfanani Lishivha, Bridges for Music founder Valentino Barrioseta, MTN Bushfire Festival director Jiggs Thorne, and World Bank senior economist Laurent Corthay, among others.

Through its mix of panels, showcases and networking sessions, ACCES 2025 aims to highlight Africa’s growing influence in the global music economy while fostering the exchange of knowledge and ideas among professionals across the continent and beyond.

Registration for the conference is free, while tickets for the Showcase Festival are available via the official ACCES website.

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.