ACCES Conference sessions (2023 programme)
Conference sessions
Friday 10 November
Music and brand partnerships: Where strategy meets artistry
Music and brands come together in multiple creative ways, with shared values and collaborative efforts envisioned to amplify reach and nurture authentic connections. How can artists and events leverage a clear and consistent image to develop successful partnerships with brands? How do branding, promotion and creativity work together to speak to audiences and create unique experiences? What should one look out for when entering a brand deal? These are some of the questions that our panellists will answer during this informative session.
AI and music rights management: How African rights holders can make the most of it
This panel discussion will delve into the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on music rights management, while spotlighting the necessary regulatory steps to address the unique challenges it poses in Africa and globally. Explore how to ensure that the countless possibilities that AI unlocks for the creation process, and the vast opportunities that an AI-driven era brings to the music industry, benefit the creative community and all rights holders.
In conversation with Sho Madjozi
Within a few years, multi-award-winning artist Sho Madjozi has become one of the most accomplished South African artists while flying high her Tsonga heritage and breaking new grounds with a unique sound, colourful aesthetic and audacious energy. In this live interview with Voice of America, Sho Madjozi will share her views on the music industry, and talk export for African signature sounds, with reference to her artistic journey, collaborations and strategies.
Nyongeza: VR experience walk-through
Join us and awaken in the immersive realm of the African terrain in search of intertwining parables, myths and real-life stories that draw
inspiration from global black cultures. By listening to historical and contemporary sounds from the British Library's sound archive, these audio-
driven VR interactions foster a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of African peoples.
Emma Mbeke Nzioka is a Resonations artist-in-residence. Resonations is an international, online artists residency programme led by the British Library
and supported by the British Council. As part of her residency, Nzioka has teamed up with artists Nabalayo Wattimah and Kadallah Burrowes to
create this innovative VR experience dubbed Nyongeza.
After the walk-through, the VR installation will be accessible to the public on Friday 10 November 13:30 to 17:00 and on Saturday 11 November from 10:00 to 17:00.
Unveiling the soundscapes: Global and African music markets in 2023
Explore the transformative trends and opportunities in the music industry, as revealed in the CISAC 2023 annual report. Delve into the evolving dynamics, challenges, and innovations that are shaping the global and African music markets, with a focus on how artists and stakeholders can navigate this dynamic landscape.
Singeli to the world – at a fast pace!
A frenetic dance genre at 300 BPM and fusing the many sounds of Tanzania, Singeli emerged in the late 2000s but was relegated to the margins of the mainstream before taking the country and world by storm. Artists, record label owners and managers will zoom in on this fascinating genre to discuss its history, signature sound, export strategies, the power of collaborations and the secrets to why Singeli is loved not only in Tanzania but across the entire East African region.
gamma: charting a new path in music empowerment
In May this year multimedia platform gamma embarked on its expansion journey into Africa and the Middle East. With a widely acclaimed launch, a star-studded executive team, an unconventional business model, and a staggering investment exceeding one billion dollars, gamma appears to have set the stage for transformative changes in the region. Join us for an enlightening keynote session featuring Sipho Dlamini, gamma's President for Africa & The Middle East, as we explore the profound implications of gamma's entry into this diverse and dynamic music market. Discover what sets gamma apart from conventional labels and how its unique approach seeks to redefine industry standards.
Connecting Africa and the diaspora through music, lifestyle and culture
African sounds are making waves around the globe. Their influence is increasingly visible in club, urban and youth culture. We take a behind-the-scenes look at the growing network of platforms and ventures that are bringing together artists, audiences and tastemakers from Africa and the diaspora. This discussion will take a deep dive into how these collaborations impact the growth and development of African music at home and abroad.
Saturday 11 November
Performance and collabo platforms for musicians in Africa and beyond
Live performances and collaborations are major channels for talent discovery and artist development. Considering the strong live music culture in Africa, which are the platforms and circuits that allow African artists to perform and tour across the continent? In this session, our panellists will discuss what artists need to do to unlock export and collaborative opportunities in other parts of the world while forging a strong presence at home.
Artists, managers and entrepreneurship
Roles in production, management and distribution are radically evolving in an ever more digitalised and globalised industry. Easier access to collaborators and music business education is equipping artists to gain control over their careers. In this discussion, we look at entrepreneurship and artist-manager relationships, and how talent managers and labels nurture and support talent in creating and managing long-term businesses in the African music industry.
In conversation with Marioo & Kontawa
Join us for an electrifying interview with music icons Marioo and Kontawa as they share insights and unveil the rhythms, trends, and strategies fueling the vibrant music scene in Tanzania and the broader African continent. Take a front-row seat to delve into their groundbreaking collaborations, and explore how African music is stealing the global spotlight, one beat at a time. Don't miss out!
Short film presentation & talk: ZAMA: Syncopating the Pasts and Future
What Does the Archive Make Possible?
In this presentation, Nicholas Calvin Mwakatobe will share his experience as a Resonations artist-in residence working with the British Library's sound archive.
Nicholas has listened to and researched sound recordings in Swahili, especially those of musicians Francis mwa Kitime and Siti binti Saad.
As part of his artistic work, within the framework of Resonations, he has been using these archival recordings to create connections with the people and places where they were recorded. He has documented the experience of these rich interactions in a series of short films he will share in this presentation in an attempt to answer what the archive makes possible. The Resonations artist residency is led by the British Library and supported by the British Council.
The United States of Creatives
South African hip-hop star and entrepreneur Siya Metane, popularly known as Slikour, launched United States of Creatives, a platform to unite creatives through tailored fintech products and help creatives digitally monetise their works. Housed under the Slikour On Life digital entertainment content platform, United States of Creatives comprises distribution platform SOL Distro and fintech platform SOL Wallet designed for artists to turn their creations into assets and facilitate e-commerce.
Digital strategies to amplify voices in emerging music markets
A growing number of international and local record labels, distributors and streaming platforms are setting up operations in Africa, and in the process opening the door to a wide range of new opportunities for emerging artists. During this discussion, music distributors and marketing experts will talk about the strategies they employ to connect artists and audiences from different regions while supporting music creators to thrive in the global arena.
Music and tech: When innovation empowers music creators
While changing how we create, consume and interact with music in the digital age, technology provides music creators with new tools for greater autonomy and control over their creative output. More than that, tech has become a part of the entire music ecosystem – from music making to marketing, promotion and publishing. But perhaps the most pertinent question for our context is, how is innovation contributing to building a sustainable African music industry? Join our expert panellists to learn more about this dynamic space.
Closing remarks and announcements
More details coming soon!