ACCES 2025 announces conference and festival venues

Conference venue

One of Africa’s biggest music trade events, ACCES will be hosted in Tshwane for the first time, with a full programme of industry discussions, networking sessions, and live showcases. The Aula Theatre at the University of Pretoria will stage the daytime activities — including the ACCES Conference on 30 and 31 October.

Built in 1958 and renowned for its acoustics and historic charm, the Aula Theatre will provide the backdrop for panel discussions, keynote interviews, workshops, and networking activities. Topics will span artist development, music business trends, and cross-border collaboration, offering delegates a valuable platform to expand their knowledge and connections.

Festival venues

The ACCES Showcase Festival will take place at Propaganda Pretoria on Friday 31 October (from 6pm), and 012 Central on Saturday 1 November (from 12pm). For the first time, the ACCES Showcase Festival finale at 012 Central will begin in the early afternoon, starting at 12pm on 1 November and running into the night. The extended programme will feature a tight line-up of exceptional talent from across the continent, including Focalistic (South Africa),  Thakzin (South Africa), Naledi Aphiwe (South Africa), Shandesh (South Africa), Boukuru (Rwanda), Mwendamberi (Zimbabwe), Jabulile Majola (South Africa), Frida Amani (Tanzania), Tobi Peter (Nigeria), Claudio, Rabe (Madagascar), The Charles Géne Suite (South Africa), Njoki Karu (Kenya), Kekelingo (South Africa), FimFim (Ghana), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Oumy (Senegal) and Bokani Dyer (South Africa). More surprises are still to come.

“The ACCES Showcase Festival is certainly a highlight this year,” says Violet Maila, Projects Manager at MIAF. “We are pleased to be introducing an extended daytime-to-night programme at 012 Central, starting from 12pm. It not only allows audiences to experience more artists in one setting but also adds great value for delegates by creating additional space for discovery, networking, and cultural exchange in a unique festival atmosphere.”

Organised annually by MIAF, ACCES rotates between African cities and has previously been held in Dakar, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam and Kigali. It is recognised as a leading platform for African and international music professionals — from artists and producers to promoters, festival directors, booking agents, policymakers, and researchers — to share ideas, discover talent, and explore business opportunities.

Thousands of participants are expected at ACCES 2025, which will once again foster collaboration, learning, and innovation across the African music sector.

Registration is now open via the official ACCES website at www.musicinafrica.net/acces.