ACCES 2024 unveils programme with stellar line-up of speakers and artists

The programme boasts an impressive line-up of around 60 esteemed speakers from Africa and the world who will delve into the crucial facets of the local and international music industries. Through their expertise, they will share valuable knowledge and opportunities that will enable stakeholders in the African music sector to thrive.

ACCES offers a range of activities including conference sessions, live performances, exhibitions, workshops, and networking. Admission is free for Africans to attend conferences, exhibitions, workshops, and networking sessions (registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis), while live music showcases require ticket purchase.

The programme will feature a keynote address by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) CEO Annabell Lebethe, who will focus on music rights, underscoring Africa’s vast potential and the crucial role of collaboration among collective management organisations (CMOs). Lebethe will also share valuable insights gleaned from both African and European perspectives, highlighting the benefits of cooperation in unlocking the continent’s full musical potential.

ACCES will also host in-depth discussions about music rights administration, music royalties in Africa, artists monetisation strategies and unlocking global opportunities. Confirmed speakers include industry leaders such as Samuel Sangwa (Rwanda), Sir Trill (South Africa), Tab Nkhereanye (US), Heavy K (South Africa), Maimouna Dembélé (Senegal), Foza Fawehinmi (Nigeria), Jotam Matariro, (South Africa), Isioma Nwaruocha (Nigeria), Eddie Hatitye (South Africa), Mehdi Delmi (Algeria), Octopizzo (Kenya), Andre Le Roux (South Africa), Dora Makwinja (Malawi), Wendy Verwey Bekker (South Africa), Mathieu Insa (Congo Kinshasa), Thando Makhunga (South Africa) and Muthoni Drummer Queen (Kenya).

With the Rwandan music market taking centre stage at the music trade show, the programme features two insightful panel discussions that will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the Rwandan music scene. The first, Understanding the Rwandan Music Market, will delve into the heartbeat of Rwanda’s music scene, uncovering the local dynamics driving change and shaping its future, while the Creating Youth Culture with Rwandan Hip Hop session will zoom in on the emergence of Kinyatrap in Rwanda, exploring how this genre is revolutionising the country’s hip hop scene and empowering a new generation of artists.

Additionally, this year’s showcases will be headlined by multi-award-winning South African artists Sir Trill and Heavy-K, who will perform at ACCES this year in partnership with Virgin Music.

They join previously announced showcasing acts like Octopizzo (Kenya), Assa Matusse (Mozambique), Aurus (Reunion), Impakanizi (Rwanda), Youbana (Morocco), Bantu Spaceship (Zimbabwe), Def Mama Def (Senegal), Joel Ruti (Rwanda), Kaya Byinshii (Rwanda), Jordan Moozy (Botswana), Zaki Ibrahim (South Africa), Ish Kevin (Rwanda), Bushali (Rwanda), Indigo Saint (Zimbabwe), Banshee (Zimbabwe), Wamoto (Tanzania), Slum Drip (Rwanda), Pro Zed (Rwanda), Dr. Nganji (Rwanda), B-Threy (Rwanda), and Andy Mwag (Burundi).

“We are thrilled to announce our powerhouse programme, featuring a stellar line-up of speakers and artists, for this year's music trade show,” Music In Africa Foundation executive director Eddie Hatitye said. “With a diverse range of panels, workshops, and performances, we’re confident that this year’s event will be a game-changer for the industry.”

View the full conference programme here.

ACCES 2024 speakers

• Annabell Lebethe – CEO, SAMRO (South Africa)
• Samuel Sangwa – regional director for Africa, CISAC (Rwanda)
• Sir Trill – singer-songwriter and producer (South Africa)
• Tab Nkhereanye – SVP of A&R at BMG (United States)
• Heavy K – producer, composer and DJ (South Africa)
• Maimouna Dembélé – chairperson, Music In Africa Foundation (Senegal)
• Foza Fawehinmi – lead legal consultant, Zaeda Oracle Limited (Nigeria)
• Jotam Matariro – CEO, CAPASSO (South Africa)
• Isioma Nwaruocha – head of promotions, Chocolate City Music (Nigeria)
• Eddie Hatitye – director, Music In Africa Foundation (South Africa)
• Mehdi Delmi – deputy director general, ONDA (Algeria)
• Octopizzo – Artist and entrepreneur (Kenya)
• Andre Le Roux – managing director, IKS Cultural Consulting (South Africa)
• Dora Makwinja – executive director, COSOMA (Malawi)
• Wendy Verwey Bekker – regional manager Africa, Ditto Music (South Africa)
• Mathieu Insa – creative industries consultant, Expertise France (Congo Kinshasa)
• Thando Makhunga – managing director, Sheer Publishing Africa (South Africa)
• Muthoni Drummer Queen – artist (Kenya)
• Aubin Muhire – associate producer, Cornwine Agency (Rwanda)
• Laetitia Uwera – founder, Boldy Bonza (Rwanda)
• Easy Cuts – co-founder, Big Team productions (Rwanda)
• Khalilu Rahman – co-founder, Kigali Multimedia Hub (Rwanda)
• Thando Nyameni – managing director, KUMISA (South Africa)
• Eva Ndumbe – music and media executive (Cameroon)
• Paulo Chibanga – general director, Khuzula (Mozambique)
• Rodriguez Iragena – founder, Volkano Fest (Rwanda)
• Angell Mutoni – artist (Rwanda)
• Farai Ncube – arts and culture director, British Council (Zimbabwe)
• Joshua Madalitso Chiundiza – artist (Zimbabwe)
• Abaasa Rwemereza – head of record label division, Swangz Avenue (Uganda)
• Lerato Matsoso – stakeholder relations and membership manager, CAPASSO (South Africa)
• Kobby Ankomah Graham – DJ, writer and lecturer (Ghana)
• Ariel Wayz – artist (Rwanda)
• Antoine Mensah – radio personality and media consultant (Ghana)
• Shiba Melissa Mazaza – founder, Mount Makeda Media (South Africa)
• Raoul Rugamba – founder, Africa in Colors (Rwanda)

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES 2024 is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organisation, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut.

Register for ACCES 2024 here.

Connect with us on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.