Presenting the showcasing artists of ACCES 2023

This year, the event will take place at the prestigious Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre as well as other venues in Dar es Salaam.

Ahead of Africa’s most important music industry event, we bring you a taste of the showcasing musicians you can see live come November.

Sho Madjozi (South Africa)

ACCES 2023 headliner Sho Madjozi is a multi-hyphenate creative and cultural icon. She came to international attention in 2019 with the viral hit ‘John Cena’, which secured her multiple awards at home and abroad. The Tsonga singer, who is behind the albums Limpopo Champions League and What A Life, will bring her signature high-octane energy to the ACCES stage. She will also take part in a keynote interview to share her valuable music industry knowledge and experiences with the ACCES audience.

Marioo (Tanzania)

Bongo flava star Marioo first hit the mainstream with 2018 hit ‘Dar Kugumu’. Since then, he has never looked back. A versatile catalogue and successful collaborations across genres and countries have ensured his place as a young legend. His 2022 debut album The Kid You Know earned him awards and recognition, including a spot on Rolling Stone's Best Afropop Songs list for ‘Mi Amor’ featuring Jovial. On stage, the man is also a delight to watch, his charisma, vocal power and work ethic always making for a great show.

Balaa MC (Tanzania)

Tanzanian singeli ambassador Balaa MC’s work fuses manifold styles reflecting his cultural roots and storytelling about his people’s experiences, challenges and triumphs. He gained popularity for hits like ‘Nakuja (Remix),’ ‘Kama Ujui Utajua,’ ‘Sawa Nitaacha’ and ‘Stress’ and has collaborated with artists like Marioo and Platform TZ, expanding his impact across East Africa and beyond. In 2022, he released 26kipaji Singeli Album.

Zolani Mahola & The Feminine Force (South Africa)

Zolani Mahola, formerly of supergroup Freshlyground, shot to global fame with ‘Waka Waka’, the band’s 2010 FIFA World Cup collaboration with Shakira. In 2019, Mahola announced her solo career and released Thetha Mama, which won the Best Produced Album Award at the South African Music Awards. Some of her most notable collaborations are with world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma and singer-songwriter Dave Matthews. Beyond music, her talents extend to acting, winning a prestigious Fleur Du Cap Award for her autobiographical one-woman play The One Who Sings. Leading The Feminine Force, Mahola honours the ancient spirit of women through song and dance, emphasising the kind and empowering essence of community. At ACCES, she will undoubtedly shine, showcasing her multifaceted and inspiring artistry.

Siti Muharam and The Unguja All Stars (Tanzania)

Siti Muharam, known as the ‘Scion of Taarab’ and the great-granddaughter of the legendary Siti binti Saad, leads the Unguja All Stars. In 2020, she released the album Siti of Unguja (Romance Revolution On Zanzibar), which was named The Guardian’s Global Album of the Month in June. At ACCES 2023, Muharam will be the flag bearer of the Taarab musical heritage and legacy.

Feli Nandi (Zimbabwe)

Inspired by local legends like Oliver Mtukudzi, and boasting a stirring voice, the rising Zimbabwean sensation first hit the mainstream in 2020 with ‘Mufudzi WeMombe’. The release of her self-titled album in 2021 further solidified Feli Nandi’s status as a star on the rise. A string of other successful singles, including ‘Munhu Wangu’ and ‘Unotyei’, garnered her nominations at prestigious award ceremonies. This year, she won the PPC Zimbabwe Music Awards’ Best Alternative Award, which secured her trip to ACCES 2023. Beyond Zimbabwe, she has enchanted international audiences through performances in the UK, South Africa and Togo. 

Alostmen (Ghana)

Ghanaian neo-traditional acoustic band Alostmen will be bringing a unique blend of traditional instruments and vibrant Afro rhythms to the ACCES stage. The band showcases the masterful vocals and messages of Stevo Atambire, the dynamic touch of Wanlov the Kubolor’s koshka and rapping skills, the rich sounds of Ga master drummer Abednego Sowah Ako’s gome, and the impressive talking drum expertise of Aminu Amadu. Expertly brought together by artistic director Percy Yip Tong, who will be a speaker at ACCES 2023, and producer Wanlov the Kubolor of FOKN Bois fame, Alostmen’s debut album released on the Koool Kreol label brings to fans a rare fusion of Afro-trance music. This has led the band to international acclaim and successful performances across West Africa and Europe. 

Leo Mkanyia (Tanzania)

Swahili soul artist, composer, guitarist, producer and singer-songwriter Leo Mkanyia’s music is a powerful blend of history, culture, politics, migration, inequality and love. His group, the Swahili Blues Band, has graced prestigious stages like the London African Music Festival, Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara as well as the DOADOA East African Performing Arts Market and Bayimba International Festival in Uganda. Mkanyia will hope to leave a lasting impact on the ACCES stage, too.

Kadilida (Tanzania)

Nyege Nyege Tapes act Kadilida rose to prominence with offerings like ‘Singeli Poli’, ‘Kwetu’ and ‘Naumia’. A singeli fixture, her talent has seen her on notable stages like Nyege Nyege Festival (Uganda), Kappa Music Festival (Italy), Dour Festival (Belgium) and Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar). Now, the musician, whose most recent songs include ‘Uroda’, ‘Naumia’, ‘Tuachane’ and ‘Kwetu’, is bringing her magic to ACCES.

Kasiva Mutua (Kenya)

When the Kenyan percussionist strikes, she becomes a conduit for summoning ancestral spirits and embodying the essence of progress, activism and the rich storytelling tradition of Africa. Co-founder of the all-women ensemble MOTRA (Modern and Traditional Rhythms) and a member of The Nile Project, Kasiva Mutua is a trained journalist, global TED fellow and One Beat alumna whose journey reflects a devotion to not only preserving cultural heritage but also deploying music as a tool for social change and expression.

Madalitso Band (Malawi)

The folk duo, who spent a decade perfecting their vibrant playing style and home-made instruments on the streets, will be gracing the ACCES stage after an extensive four-month, 80-concert tour of Europe and the US. Madalitso Band’s breakthrough came six years ago when they performed at Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar, sparking a whirlwind of success. Five European tours, including concerts at festivals like WOMAD and Roskilde, have truly solidified their status in the music world. 

Damian Soul (Tanzania)

Damian Soul’s story is characterised by his remarkable journey hinged on a commitment to following his inner voice. His style blends Afro-soul influences, and his performance at ACCES 2023 will not only inspire listeners and fellow creatives alike, but also emphasise a message of embracing one’s authentic path and the transformative power of music.