Call for accreditation: ACCES 2026 in Johannesburg

Slated for Johannesburg, South Africa from 28 to 31 October, ACCES 2026 invites radio, TV, print, and online journalists from across the globe.

Highlights

• Over 1 000 delegates and leading experts from more than 45 countries will gather in Tshwane to shape the future of African and global music.
• From Grammy winners to African trailblazers, ACCES 2025 presents unique networking opportunities for music industry stakeholders.
• More than 80 musicians from across the continent will perform at a two- day showcase festival in the heart of Tshwane.
• Numerous capacity-building opportunities for local talent, including masterclasses, workshops and mentorship.

Key industry leaders

ACCES 2026 will feature key speakers and industry leaders from across Africa and international markets, including Robert Singerman, US Partner/SVP at LyricFind; Anne-Karine Tremblay, Director of Corporate Affairs, Collective & International Development at MusicAction in Canada; Jenny Tan of Toorly, China; Laurent Corthay of The World Bank in Mozambique; South African artist Sun-El Musician; Mathew Covey of Tamizdat, USA; Kethrine MacVicker of Music Works International, USA; Indi Chawla of The Mechanical Licensing Collective, UK; and Jacynthe Plamondon-Émond of Intempo Musique, Canada.

The programme will also feature Lerato Matsoso of CAPASSO, Bellio Ibtahim Olaoluwa of Rhymx Distro, Nigeria; Matilde Muocha, Secretary of State for Arts & Culture in Mozambique; music and tech entrepreneur Walter Wanyanya from Zimbabwe; Sibonelo ‘Nelo’ Mathenjwa of Paradise Worldwide Africa; Marie Fol of Live Arts Lab, Belgium; Akotchayé Okio of SACEM, France; Music In Africa Foundation’s Eddie Hatitye, South Africa; Sarah Jane Nicholson of Africa Rising Music Conference, South Africa; Martial Tchao of Melo Records & Distribution, Canada; Mantwa Chinoamadi of T-Musicman, South Africa; Usher Takudzwa Nyambi of Samora Central, Zimbabwe; and Siya ‘Slikour’ Metane of SlikourOnLife, South Africa, among others.

The discussions will cover issues including building music careers across international markets, developing a connected live music economy, strengthening Canada-Africa music industry links, and artistic ownership and legacy.

ACCES Industry Nights

The 2026 edition will introduce an expanded showcase format under the banner ACCES Industry Nights, with more than 80 African musicians scheduled to perform across Johannesburg.

The performances will take place at venues including The Artistry, Untitled Basement, The Forge and Jozi Gold between 28 and 31 October.

Sun-El Musician will headline the showcase festival on Friday, 30 October. The line-up also includes South African acts The Joy, Pilani Bubu, The SN Project, Abavuki, Francis Soal, Giuliette Price, Sky Wanda, Maline Aura, Drega, BlaQRhythm and Rorisang Sechele, alongside artists from across the continent and diaspora.

Representing Ghana are Akra and FimFim, while Zimbabwe will be represented by Sylent Nqo and Mary Anibal. Canadian artists Kelly Bado and Kizaba are also scheduled to perform.

How to apply

Applications should be done online here.

The deadline to apply is 15 days before the event.

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 2026 is produced by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organisation, in partnership with the City of Joburg. See all our sponsors on our official website.