First batch of artists to watch live at ACCES 2026

The conference will take place at The Forum, The Campus, in Bryanston on 29 and 30 October, while the expanded showcase festival and ACCES Industry Nights will take place at venues across Johannesburg from 28 to 31 October.

Recognised as one of Africa’s leading music trade events, ACCES brings together artists, executives and music professionals from across the continent and beyond for networking, knowledge exchange and live performances. Below is the first batch of artists confirmed for ACCES 2026.

Experience these exceptional artists at ACCES Industry Nights – intimate live performances curated for the people moving music in Africa. Get your tickets here.

Sun-El Musician (South Africa)

Sun-El Musician, born Sanele Sithole, is a South African DJ, producer and songwriter known for his melodic Afro-house sound. He rose to prominence with ‘Akanamali’, featuring Samthing Soweto, and followed with hits including ‘Sonini’ and ‘Bamthathile’. His acclaimed albums Africa to the World and To the World & Beyond have earned multiple awards and platinum certifications. In 2026, he headlined Red Bull Symphonic: Afro House, Our Home in Johannesburg, further cementing his influence on South Africa’s electronic music scene.

Sylent Nqo and The Noisemakers (Zimbabwe)

Led by award-winning guitarist and composer Sylent Nqo, also known as the “Guitar Sangoma”, the band blends Afro-jazz, rock and indigenous Zimbabwean music. Known for their dynamic stage performances, they have appeared at festivals including Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and Hard Rock Cafe events across Southern Africa.

Chakires et le groupe Oulanga (Réunion/Comoros)

Drawing inspiration from the musical traditions of Comoros and Mayotte, Chakires et le groupe Oulanga combines jazz, reggae and m’godro rhythms while promoting cultural exchange through community projects and artist development initiatives. Their performances balance acoustic intimacy with audience participation.

Philani Bubu (South Africa)

Singer, composer and multidisciplinary artist Philani Bubu has built a reputation for blending jazz, soul, funk, poetry and spoken word into deeply expressive performances. Her career includes collaborations with the Maya Angelou estate on the orchestral production Hope Springing High – Still I Rise and an appearance on Cameroonian artist Blick Bassy’s Bikutsi 300 album. Her performances combine storytelling with musical experimentation, making her one of South Africa's most distinctive contemporary voices.

FimFim (Ghana)

Producer, rapper and singer FimFim has become one of Ghana’s emerging alternative artists by blending hip hop, Afrobeats and local musical influences. His energetic performances and genre-fluid approach have helped establish him within Ghana's contemporary music scene.

Abavuki (South Africa)

Celebrating 25 years together in 2026, Cape Town Afro-fusion outfit Abavuki has become renowned for its energetic live performances. Originating from Langa, the group has toured extensively across Europe and Asia, performing in countries including Germany, Belgium and China. Their latest studio album, The Right Key, continues their signature blend of African rhythms and uplifting melodies.

Francis Soal (South Africa)

Singer, songwriter and producer Francis Soal, born Benjy de Kock, is known for crossing musical boundaries. His debut album, Hindsight 2020, combines progressive rock, jazz, reggae and blues, while his production credits include projects by Kujenga, Internet Athi, Kitso Seti, Sun Quintet and Nobuhle Ashanti.

Rorisang Sechele (South Africa)

Afro-jazz vocalist Rorisang Sechele brings an emotionally driven performance style centred on healing, affirmation and hope. Her latest album, The Seed, explores themes of resilience and self-discovery. She has appeared at events including Jazz in Jozi by Concerts SA, the Basadi in Music Awards and The Express Show.

Mary Anibal (Zimbabwe)

Zimbabwean singer-songwriter Mary Anibal combines traditional Zimbabwean music with contemporary influences while incorporating indigenous instruments such as the mbira into her performances. She has appeared at international festivals including Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar, Habari Africa Festival in Canada and MASA in Côte d'Ivoire.

The SN Project (South Africa)

Alternative artist The SN Project blends R&B, jazz, funk and neo-soul into a contemporary sound that has earned collaborations with artists including Manana, Zoe Modiga, Keorapetse William Kgositsile and Thando Zide. His performances continue to establish him within South Africa’s growing alternative music scene.

The Joy (South Africa)

Vocal group The Joy rose to international attention through viral performances on TikTok before appearing alongside Doja Cat at Coachella 2024 and on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Their recent single, Precious, combines Afro-soul and Afrobeats, showcasing the harmonies that have become their trademark.

Giuliette Price (South Africa)

Cape Town-based jazz singer Giuliette Price has become recognised for intimate, emotionally charged songwriting. Following her debut EP Rather Lie in 2024, she released Anxiously Preoccupied, further establishing herself as one of the country’s emerging jazz voices. She has performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, National Arts Festival and UCT Jazz Festival.

Akra (Ghana)

Alternative four-piece Akra combines rock with African musical influences to create what the band describes as Afro-rock. Their music reflects urban life in Accra through songs including ‘Why You Do Me So’, ‘Accra We Dey’ and ‘Shege’. They have previously performed at the Accra Indie Film Festival, FRA!ternity Festival and Nyamme Mma Festival.

Additional ACCES 2026 artists and programme details will be announced weekly. Visit the ACCES website for updates.