CAPASSO to lead the conversation at ACCES 2025

According to CAPASSO general manager of operations, Lerato Matsoso, the organisation’s mission goes beyond royalty collection. “CAPASSO is more than just a collective management organisation,” she says. “We are invested in ensuring that the spotlight shines brightly on songwriters who put their heart and soul into their craft. We also believe in empowering composers and authors with music business knowledge and connecting them with the rest of the world through education.”

Matsoso says partnering with ACCES, a major pan-African platform for music professionals, aligns with CAPASSO’s goal of strengthening the continent’s music ecosystem. “ACCES is such an important organisation that helps us fulfil part of our mission, as both organisations are focused on growing the African music market.”

Education through important voices

One of the event’s highlights will be South African artist Focalistic, who will appear as both performer and speaker in conversation with Matsoso. She describes him as “one of the best musicians to emerge from the continent”, commending his ability to merge local expression with international appeal.

“Focalistic remains true to himself, and the world adjusts,” Matsoso says. “He is the epitome of someone who refuses to conform in order to fit in. His writing ability and interest in the business side of music make him stand out.”

Their discussion will unpack Focalistic’s creative journey, his rise in the global music scene and his approach to managing his career. “I aspire to get to the core of who he is, what inspired him to tell his story the way he does, and how he has risen to global recognition,” Matsoso adds.

Lessons in authenticity

Matsoso views Focalistic’s success as proof of the growing global reach of African music. “It shows that impossible is nothing. He didn’t need to fit in to stand out. Staying true to his roots and knowing his identity has enabled him to present himself to the world authentically.

“Being authentic is the way. It takes nothing away from you, but trying to sound like another will hinder you instead,” she says.

As Africa’s music industry expands, CAPASSO continues to advocate for improved rights management and fair remuneration for creators. “Our continent is rich with talent and culture that has not yet been fully explored,” Matsoso says. “Rights management can only improve. Collaborations with our sister CMOs across Africa are opening more doors, and together we can achieve greater impact.”

She adds that digital transformation is creating new opportunities for fair compensation. “As more citizens connect online, their ability to access music through legal and licensed digital platforms ensures that creators are fairly compensated.”

Collaboration for a sustainable future

CAPASSO’s presence at ACCES aims to raise awareness about its work and promote cross-border cooperation. “Gatherings like ACCES allow us to expand our visibility and explain what we do, how we do it and why we do it,” Matsoso says. “We have bilateral agreements with over 29 CMOs on the continent, and ACCES provides a platform to engage directly with creators.”

Looking ahead, she says CAPASSO will continue to champion collaboration and knowledge-sharing. “Working together goes a long way, and we’ve seen that operating in isolation is fruitless,” Matsoso notes, crediting CAPASSO CEO Jotam Matariro for steering the organisation toward long-term impact.

“For as long as creators keep writing and performing, there will always be a role for us to play,” she concludes. “With continued partnerships and education, CAPASSO aims to ensure that Africa’s songwriters remain at the heart of the continent’s growing music industry.”