3Step to take centre stage at ACCES 2025 in Tshwane

In a bid to celebrate the genre, the Music In Africa Foundation has confirmed the participation of Thakzin, widely regarded as the creator of 3Step, as both a performer and speaker. At ACCES, he will present an exclusive show and tell session, offering delegates a rare opportunity to experience first-hand how the genre was born and how he continues to innovate its sound. Thakzin will also perform at the ACCES Showcase Festival on 31 October at Propaganda Pretoria, joining a stellar line-up of artists from across the continent.

3Step is influenced by amapiano, Afro-house and Afro-tech. It started to gain dominance in South Africa during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and has since grown into one of the country’s most influential genres. The sound has propelled Thakzin to international recognition as one of Africa’s most forward-thinking producers, with his ability to merge styles and craft a distinctive identity placing him at the forefront of the continent’s electronic music movement.

ACCES, the African Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases, is one of the continent’s leading music industry gatherings. This year’s edition will take place in Tshwane, beginning with a two-day conference at the Aula Theatre, University of Pretoria, on 30 and 31 October, followed by showcase performances at Propaganda Pretoria on 31 October and 012 Central on 1 November. Attracting more than 1 200 delegates from over 45 countries, ACCES brings together top executives and stakeholders representing the entire music industry value chain. The event has previously been staged in Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda and Tanzania, cementing its reputation as Africa’s premier music business platform.

The 2025 showcase line-up includes Focalistic (South Africa), Naledi Aphiwe (South Africa), Shandesh (South Africa), Boukuru (Rwanda), Mwendamberi (Zimbabwe), Jabulile Majola (South Africa), Frida Amani (Tanzania), Tobi Peter (Nigeria), Claudio, Rabe (Madagascar), The Charles Géne Suite (South Africa), Njoki Karu (Kenya), Kekelingo (South Africa), FimFim (Ghana), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Oumy (Senegal) and Bokani Dyer (South Africa). More surprises to come!

Registration for the conference is free, while tickets for the showcase festival can be purchased via the official ACCES website.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages. Held in a different African city each year, ACCES attracts active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES 2025 is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organisation, in partnership with the City of Tshwane, the South African National Conventions Bureau, and the SAMPRA Development Fund. See all our sponsors and partners here.