African acts to play SXSW 2024 in March

19 Dec 2023 - 12:54

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

African acts, including Ghana’s Camidoh and Bisa Kdei as well as South African group BLK JKS and Sudanese-American musical fusionist Sinkane, have been named among the showcasing acts for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival and conference in Austin, Texas, from 8 to 16 March 2024.

Ghana’s Camidoh is among the showcasing acts confirmed for SXSW 2024.

First held in 1987, SXSW features conference sessions, film and TV screenings, music festival showcases, comedy festival events, exhibitions, tech competitions, award ceremonies and networking opportunities.

Camidoh currently boasts over 1.3 billion streams across major platforms, his music blending diverse styles like Afropop, highlife, soul, and neo-R&B. His chart-topping anthem ‘Sugarcane’ catapulted him into the spotlight, landing nominations at prestigious awards like the 3Music Awards and the BETs.

Bisa Kdei gained recognition for his work on movie soundtracks and has collaborated with many Ghanaian and other African artists. He is behind several albums, including Breakthrough, Highlife Konnect and Original.

BLK JKS, formed in 2000, is behind three EPs and two albums and is popular for unique fusions of alternative/indie rock and worldbeat

The African acts join global colleagues including Germany-based Peruvian DJ and producer Sofia Kourtesis, American punk rap group Ho99o9 and Irish singer-songwriter Gavin James among others.

African acts who have mounted the SXSW stage in the past include South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest, Moonchild Sanelly, Nadia Nakai and Samthing Soweto, as well as Nigerian singers Simi and Lady Donli and Lesotho’s Morena Leraba.

“At SXSW, we strive to foster discovery and shine a light on artists and innovators whose work is fresh, unique, boundary-pushing, and drives visionary problem solving,” a statement reads. “From Next Gen game-changers and emerging talent to legendary trailblazers, the SXSW community makes positive change happen together.”

Meanwhile, keynote speakers confirmed for SXSW 2024 include AMD chair and CEO Lisa Su, hip hop veteran Chuck D and a host of others.

“Every year at SXSW, we’re privileged to host leaders and trailblazers who have risen to the top of their fields through hard work, thought leadership and passion for their craft,” SXSW co-president and chief programming officer Hugh Forrest said

Registration for SXSW is still ongoing here.