British Council’s Music Connects Africa to present Mwendamberi at ACCES 2025 in Tshwane

Mwendamberi is scheduled to perform at 012 Central on 1 November, sharing the stage with top African talents, including Focalistic (South Africa), Zoë Modiga (South Africa) Claudio Rabe (Réunion Island), Kekelingo (South Africa), Boukuru (Rwanda), Jabulile Majola (South Africa), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Bokani Dyer (South Africa), Njoki Karu (Kenya) and FIMFIM (Ghana).

The ACCES 2025 Showcase Festival will take place at two venues: Propaganda Pretoria on 31 October and 012 Central on 1 November. Alongside the showcases, the wider ACCES programme will host a two-day music conference at the Aula Theatre, University of Pretoria. The event, being held in Tshwane for the first time, is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates from over 45 countries.

Mwendamberi is a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter and performer known for blending Afro-fusion with contemporary sounds that reflect his cultural roots. He has steadily gained recognition for his storytelling style, which draws from traditional influences while engaging with modern African rhythms. His music explores themes of identity, resilience and social connection, positioning him among Zimbabwe’s most promising emerging voices.

Launched in 2022, Music Connects Africa has supported a new wave of music talent and enterprises across Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Tanzania by providing critical skills development, investment, and access to regional and international markets. Delivered locally by Kay Media Africa in partnership with UK-based Reprezent Radio, the programme has already supported over 200 emerging musicians through training, mentorship, and showcasing opportunities. To date, it has awarded 24 grants, created 36 jobs, and opened market access pathways through 15 showcase platforms, while inspiring the creation of new music, bookings, and sustainable careers. In Zimbabwe, it is implemented in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland.

The partnership between the British Council and ACCES will also enable the participation of music industry professionals from a range of countries, fostering greater inclusion and diversity at this year’s ACCES edition. Beyond facilitating mobility, the collaboration will enhance networking, knowledge sharing and professional exchanges between African and UK stakeholders. This engagement is expected to deepen mutual understanding, open new market opportunities, and strengthen long-term connections across the global music ecosystem.

Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of the Music In Africa Foundation and ACCES, commented: “We are delighted to partner with the British Council to expand access to ACCES. This collaboration is more than just about bringing professionals together – it is about building bridges between Africa and the UK, amplifying African voices on the global stage, and creating sustainable opportunities for our industry to grow.”

British Council sub-Saharan Africa regional director for arts and culture Farai Ncube said: “We are delighted to partner with ACCESS 2025 as part of our ongoing commitment to support the music industry across Africa and build connections and collaborations with international showcase partners, sector players and industry experts. This is a core commitment as part of our Music Connects programme across the African region, equipping musicians with the right business skills, market access and investment opportunities.”

Additional confirmed performers include Thakzin (South Africa), Naledi Aphiwe (South Africa), Frida Amani (Tanzania), Oumy (Senegal), Shandesh (South Africa), Tobi Peter (Nigeria) and Charles Gene Suite (South Africa).

Music Connects Africa has supported more than 100 emerging music and literature professionals in Zimbabwe. To date, the programme has awarded 24 grants, created 36 jobs and provided market access opportunities through 15 showcase platforms. It is implemented in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe.

About the British Council  

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2024-25, we reached 599 million people.

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.