SlikourOnLife to present Toss, Touchline and Mad Buddies at ACCES 2026

The session, titled Independent Is the New Major, will take place on 29 October at The Forum, The Campus, in Bryanston. It is presented in partnership with South African music platform SlikourOnLife.

The discussion will be moderated by SlikourOnLife founder and chief executive officer Slikour. It will examine the meaning of independence at different stages of an artist’s career, the short-term trade-offs involved in operating independently, and the potential impact of independent approaches on the wider music industry.

The discussion forms part of various topics to be discussed at the conference to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing questions: how artists build international careers, how music businesses attract investment, how rights translate into revenue, and how touring and digital innovation can connect African markets. Sessions will also explore independent music businesses, sustainable local music ecosystems and Africa’s growing cultural influence.

ACCES 2026 will run from 28 to 31 October, bringing together artists and music industry professionals for discussions, workshops, networking activities and live performances. The conference aims to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders across the African music industry and beyond.

Conference attendance is free, with registration available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here and view the full programme.

Aside the conference, the trade event will feature an expanded showcase format under the ACCES Industry Nights banner, with more than 80 musicians scheduled to perform across four nights.

The line-up includes Sun-El Musician, Blick Bassy, The Joy, Sylent Nqo & The Noisemakers, Rorisang Sechele, Abavuki, Francis Soal, Drega, Maline Aura, Skye Wanda, Kizaba, Kelly Bado, The SN Project, Pilani Bubu, Akra and more.

Running from 28 to 31 October, Industry Nights will take place at The Artistry, Untitled Basement and Jozi Gold, bringing talent from Africa and the diaspora into some of Johannesburg’s distinctive live music spaces.

Alongside the performances, the nights offer opportunities to meet music executives, buyers, promoters and potential collaborators from across the world. Book your Industry Night tickets here.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African music trade event where industry professionals exchange ideas, discover talent and build business connections. Held in a different African city each year, it attracts music industry players from across the globe.

ACCES 2026 is produced by the Music In Africa Foundation, a pan-African non-profit organisation registered in South Africa, in partnership with the City of Joburg.

Visit the official ACCES website for the programme, registration, tickets and the full list of sponsors and partners.