Focalistic confirmed for ACCES 2025 in Tshwane

Undoubtedly one of the most important figures in African music globally, Focalistic joins a strong line-up of artists and industry executives from more than 45 countries attending ACCES this year to connect, network, forge partnerships, and celebrate the vibrance of the sector. His participation in this year’s event will include a headline performance at the ACCES Showcase Festival on 1 November at 012 Central in the Pretoria CBD.

As a way to share the knowledge he has amassed in his illustrious career, the prolific artist will also feature in a keynote fireside chat at the ACCES Conference at Aula Theatre, University of Pretoria on 30 and 31 October. His keynote, From Pitori to the World: A Conversation with Focalistic, will be an exclusive live interview reflecting on his creative path – from his early days in Pretoria to his emergence on international stages. Focalistic’s appearance at ACCES is presented by the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) – Africa’s fastest-growing digital rights licensing agency dedicated to collecting and distributing royalties across the continent.

Focalistic, whose real name is Lethabo Sebetso, is known for his iconic role in popularising amapiano beyond South Africa’s borders. His collaborations with African and international artists have helped bring the genre to wider audiences, making him one of the continent’s most recognisable voices in modern African music.

One of the biggest music trade events in Africa, ACCES will happen in the City of Tshwane for the first time from 30 October to 1 November. The event features a two-day conference at Aula Theatre, University of Pretoria (30 and 31 October), and a two-day festival at Propaganda Pretoria on Friday 31 October and at 012 Central on Saturday 1 November.

Other acts recently confirmed for ACCES include Thakzin (South Africa), Naledi Aphiwe (South Africa), Shandesh (South Africa), Boukuru (Rwanda), Mwendamberi (Zimbabwe), Jabulile Majola (South Africa), Frida Amani (Tanzania), Tobi Peter (Nigeria), Claudio, Rabe (Madagascar), The Charles Géne Suite (South Africa), Njoki Karu (Kenya), Kekelingo (South Africa), FimFim (Ghana), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Oumy (Senegal) and Bokani Dyer (South Africa). More surprises to come!

Registration for the conference and tickets to the festival are available on the official ACCES website here.

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.