Lekompo and maskandi to take centre stage at ARMC 2026

Originating from Limpopo, lekompo has swiftly moved from grassroots popularity to digital prominence. Artists such as Shandesh and Kharishma have reportedly amassed between 70 and 80 million cumulative streams, with sustained presence on Spotify playlists and charts. This rise reflects a broader continental trend: localised sounds, once confined to particular regions, are now finding national, and even global, listeners via algorithms and curated platforms. ARMC will explore how lekompo artists are navigating this shift to build sustainable careers, and what the genre’s growth may indicate for other regional movements across Africa.

Maskandi, meanwhile, will also feature prominently. Long celebrated for its storytelling and Zulu cultural roots, the genre has traditionally been central to KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas. Today, digital platforms are introducing maskandi to new mainstream audiences, raising questions about how cultural identity can be preserved amid commercial pressures. Discussions at ARMC will probe this balance, considering how traditional music can thrive in the streaming era without losing its essence. Panellists are expected to examine the role of platforms in amplifying these sounds and what their expanding reach means for artists, labels, and cultural custodians.

Supporting these conversations is a network of industry partnerships. ARMC has confirmed a strategic collaboration with the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA), which represents both major and independent labels. The partnership underscores a commitment to advancing dialogue on artists’ rights, revenue sustainability, and long-term sector growth, issues that resonate across genres, from lekompo’s streaming surge to maskandi’s cultural preservation.

Confirmed speakers include artists Elaine, Simmy, and Filah Lah Lah, alongside industry executives Nkosiyati Khumalo (Billboard Africa) and Rofhiwa Maneta (Meta). International participants include Steffen Holly (Fraunhofer IDMT, Germany) and Alex Jukes (Jukebox, UK), with further speakers expected in the lead-up to the conference.

The 2026 programme is structured around four pillars: Live & Entertainment, Innovation & Music Tech, Education & Employment, and Export & Building Bridges. Highlights include an AI Think Tank Roundtable, debuting in Johannesburg, which will bring together music and technology leaders to discuss ethical AI use, fair attribution, and Pan-African independence models.