Oyinkansola Fawehinmi: Why ACCES 2025 is a must

Fawehinmi is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading entertainment lawyers, with a proven track record of advocating for artists’ rights and influencing policy within West Africa’s rapidly growing creative industries. She is the founder of Zaeda Oracle, a leading entertainment law and business advisory firm. Her work positions her at the intersection of legal reform, industry development, and creative entrepreneurship – making her perspectives on ACCES especially compelling.

This experience left a lasting impression on Fawehinmi, who sees ACCES as a much-needed platform for building bridges across the continent’s diverse music industries. Set to take place in Tshwane, South Africa, from 30 October to 1 November 2025, ACCES is not just another industry event – it is Africa’s leading music business conference, designed to foster meaningful networking, dialogue, education, and collaboration across the continent and beyond.

Organised by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), the annual gathering is widely recognised for its tangible impact – from spotlighting emerging talent to connecting them with global opportunities. For professionals like Fawehinmi, it represents an important space where industry players converge with purpose.

“ACCES is a phenomenal platform that brings together African executives who, under normal circumstances, might never cross paths due to the demands of their respective roles,” she says. “Attending ACCES gave me the opportunity to engage directly with both African and international music business professionals.”

A unique cross-continental convergence

For Fawehinmi, one of the most transformative aspects of ACCES was seeing how African music professionals are collectively tackling the same systemic issues, from artist rights and royalties to industry regulation and investment, but from different corners of the continent.

“Hearing their perspectives and approaches to the same issues I have been fighting for reassured me that I am not alone in the journey of contributing meaningfully to Africa’s creative and economic development,” she says.

This sense of unity in purpose is what makes ACCES so powerful: it positions African professionals not as isolated players but as co-creators in shaping the continent’s cultural and economic future.

Beyond the panels and performances, Fawehinmi says she was deeply moved by the sheer scale and quality of the event’s organisation.

“It was equally inspiring to see the immense effort involved in organising and driving the event. It’s a strong indication that Africa not only has the potential but also the leadership and coordination to shape its global narrative. It shows that the industry isn’t just growing, it’s evolving with purpose.”

This evolution is reflected in how ACCES has expanded its reach and impact. Over the years, the conference has travelled to different African cities including Dakar, Accra, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, and Kigali – each time drawing hundreds of artists, producers, label executives, rights organisations, tech innovators, and policymakers from around the world.

Proven impact

One of ACCES’ major achievements has been its role in amplifying African voices on the global stage. Through showcases, exhibitions, and deal-making forums, the event has helped countless artists and entrepreneurs build long-lasting connections, gain international exposure, and secure meaningful collaborations.

Its partnership ecosystem also continues to grow, with support from major institutions such as Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, the City Of Tshwane, the South African National Conventions Bureau, the British Council , SAMRO, Coca Cola,  Spotify, the SAMPRA Development Fund, among others.

Looking ahead to ACCES 2025

With Tshwane set to host this year’s edition, excitement is already building. South Africa’s capital city brings a unique mix of cultural heritage and modern infrastructure, offering the perfect backdrop for a gathering that blends deep conversations with artistic innovation.

For industry professionals, artists, creatives, and cultural policymakers, ACCES 2025 promises not just inspiration but practical tools and relationships to drive their work forward. And as Fawehinmi’s testimony illustrates, the event delivers far more than just networking, it creates a shared vision of African excellence.

For more information and registration details, visit: www.musicinafrica.net/acces