ACCES 2024 hosts successful songwriting camp in Kigali

The camp, held during the ACCES 2024 music trade event, brought together 36 emerging songwriters from across the continent, marking a pivotal moment for the African music industry by offering them a platform to enhance their skills, collaborate, and network.

Participants hailed from diverse countries, including Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Liberia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. Over three days, the camp featured workshops led by industry experts, focusing on key aspects of songwriting techniques and the business side of music.

The camp emphasised Africa’s rich and diverse musical heritage, encouraging participants to incorporate local influences into their work. Through collaboration, attendees were inspired to share ideas, experiment with different styles, and create new music that reflects the continent’s vibrant culture.

The event culminated in a one-of-a-kind listening session at the Kigali Multimedia Hub, hosted by Vth Season founder and chief opportunity creator Raphael Benza and Universal Music Publishing Africa managing director Ryan Hill.

Attendees were treated to a preview of 21 original songs created during the camp. The session provided a glimpse of the creativity and innovation that emerged from the intensive studio sessions.

Beyond skill-building, the ACCES Songwriting Camp fostered unity within the African music industry, creating a space for collaboration and exchange. It highlighted the importance of nurturing talent and supporting the creative ecosystem that drives the continent’s music scene forward.