Africa Rising Music Conference unveils 2024 dates

The event, which was founded in 2018 by South African female creatives SJ Nicholson, Sharon Ramoshaba, DJ La Vita, Jules Spielmann and Namakau Star, was originally set for 28 and 29 May, but has been shifted due to the 2024 general national and provincial elections. This year’s edition will be held at AMPD Studios and City Lodge Hotel, with more venue partners to be announced soon.

“Adjusting our conference dates not only respects the electoral process but also ensures our attendees and speakers have an uninterrupted experience of growth, networking and inspiration,” ARMC co-owner and creative lead Namakau Star said.

The conference will feature workshops and panel discussions with various speakers including Busiswa (artist), Maps Maponyane (TV presenter and actor) DJ Buhle (artist), Josephine Zwaan (producer), Dominic Mcnabb (drummer), PHODII (Beatport), Charlotte Bwana (AudioMack), DO Gibson (Northstarr Entertainment Inc), Monde Mtyolo (SAMRO) and Zothani Vilakazi (National Arts Council).

ARMC 2024 ambassadors and partnerships

ARMC organisers have also unveiled the names of creatives who will act as ambassadors at this year’s edition. These ambassadors, ARMC said, would play a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of femme and queer individuals, further enriching the conference’s diverse and inclusive ethos. They include Tsholo Rabotsho (creative director and TR Concepts founder), Delta The Leo (multifaceted artist), Lula Odiba (YFM and Channel O presenter) and Ms Party (DJ/artist).

“The most incredible privilege you can ever be called to experience is to work with others, to serve others, that’s what being a part of this programme means to me,” Rabotsho said. “With my influence, I look forward to cultivating fruitful relationships to further pioneer female leadership and impactful collaboration. Here’s to taking Africa to the rest of the world.”

This year’s conference will partner the United Kingdom and the PRS Foundation to showcase ARMC’s role in fostering international collaboration and exchange. Through integrating with global music ecosystems, ARMC sets the stage for a richer, more interconnected music industry. Additionally, the organisers have confirmed the Music In Africa Foundation, Trace TV and Hype Magazine as this year’s media partners.

“At Hype Magazine, we stand for the development of youth in creative and related fields,” Hype Magazine’s Lesiba Mankga said. “Our partnership with the Africa Rising Music Conference is welcomed, as our interests are aligned. We are proud to be associated with an esteemed organisation that speaks for the under-represented stakeholders in the broader media and music industry.”

Following the rescheduled conference dates and in celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa, ARMC is offering free entry to the first 200 registrants. The initiative, the organisers said, demonstrates ARMC’s commitment to ensure everyone can be part of the event.

Register for free tickets here. Find out more about the event here.