The Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange, and Showcases (ACCES) returns in 2024, offering a unique experience in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 14th to 16th. ACCES 2024 promises to be a premier platform for Africa’s music industry, bringing together artists, executives, promoters, and professionals from across the continent and beyond to network, discover talent, and explore business opportunities.
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
ACCES 2024 focuses on three main pillars that aim to bridge the creative and business aspects of the music industry:
Conference/MICE Program (November 14th-15th):
Held at the Kigali Convention Center, the conference portion will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking sessions. Attendees will hear from local and international music organizations, top industry executives, funders, promoters, and artists. The program is designed to spark conversations on new trends, industry challenges, and future opportunities within the African music scene.
Showcase Festival (November 15th-16th):
The live performances, held at the Mundi Center, will feature a diverse lineup of African artists. This year’s event highlights a blend of established and rising stars, including Sir Trill and Heavy K from South Africa, Octopizzo from Kenya, and Bantu Spaceship from Zimbabwe. These showcases will provide attendees with an opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of African music first-hand while also offering a chance for international music scouts to discover new talent.
Workshops and Side Events:
ACCES will also host a variety of capacity-building workshops designed to help both emerging and established music professionals. These sessions will cover everything from production techniques to marketing strategies, providing practical skills to participants aiming to thrive in the music industry.
Celebrating African Music Excellence
In addition to the performances and workshops, ACCES 2024 will celebrate African music excellence with the prestigious MIA Honorary Awards. This year’s award will honor a Rwandan music icon for their contributions to the country’s musical heritage. Previous recipients of this award include Baaba Maal from Senegal, Eric Wainaina from Kenya, and Thandiswa Mazwai from South Africa, all of whom have made significant contributions to African music.
Beyond ACCES – Africa’s Growing Music Market
The broader context of ACCES 2024 reflects key trends in Africa’s booming music industry:
The Rise of Digital Platforms:
Platforms such as Spotify and Audiomack have revolutionized music distribution across the continent, allowing African artists to reach global audiences more easily. These platforms are also enabling new revenue streams for artists through streaming services, giving them greater control over their music and careers.
Demand for Local Content:
As Africa’s music scene grows, there is an increasing demand for local content. This trend is mirrored in other creative sectors, such as film, where initiatives like the Africa Cinema Summit emphasize the importance of telling African stories. This growing interest in homegrown talent suggests that a strong local market is essential for the sustainability and growth of the African music industry.
Investment and Financial Support:
While Africa’s music industry is thriving creatively, access to funding remains a challenge for many young artists and startups. However, initiatives such as the SA SME Fund and the R300-million Seed Fund of Funds are helping bridge this gap, offering crucial financial support to emerging tech and creative ventures. The sources highlight the need for more investment from the financial sector, with experts advocating for a deeper understanding of the creative economy’s value and long-term potential.
ACCES 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of African Music
ACCES 2024 promises to be more than just a music conference—it’s a glimpse into the vibrant, evolving world of African music. By offering a platform for artists, industry professionals, and fans to connect, learn, and collaborate, ACCES is playing a vital role in shaping the future of African music and its global recognition. Whether you’re an artist seeking to expand your network, a professional looking to discover new talent, or a fan eager to experience the sounds of Africa, ACCES 2024 is set to be an unmissable event.
