SA: German delegation confirmed for Africa Rising Music Conference

The partnership will see a delegation of Germany-based music professionals travel to Johannesburg to share their knowledge and passion for music.

The delegation comprises Re.Decay music producer and label owner Owen Ross, GROOVE magazine representative Alexis Waltz, WOMEX/Piranha Arts head of communications Gaurav Narula, creative Maureen ‘Mo’ Mutheu, WISE founder Philipp Geffer, Stil vor Talent co-founder and CEO Slawjana Ulrich, seed investor and entrepreneur representative Peer-Uli May, MA Music Academy Berlin managing director Karin Mueller, and AFEM events and communications manager Thilini Jayawickrama.

The Berlin delegates are expected to contribute to a stimulating and diverse conversation at this year’s conference by sharing their unique perspectives about the music industry. Their participation at ARMC 2023 reflects the conference’s growing importance as a platform for sharing knowledge, igniting collaborations and promoting the music industry globally.

“We support the Africa Rising Music Conference delegation to connect professionals from Berlin’s music industry with global music industry leaders, promote collaboration and create positive change through music,” Berlin Music Commission international project manager Tim Joppien said.

“This conference provides a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations from South Africa and Berlin to exchange ideas and insights, and foster meaningful collaborations that can help promote the vibrant and diverse music scene in both regions.”

ARMC 2023 will be supported by the Music in Africa Foundation, Paradise Worldwide, MINT and the National Arts Council of South Africa. Its key themes are Building Bridges, Developing Independence, and Amplifying Female Voices.

“Our recent expansion with a new office in South Africa is a testament to our commitment to being active in the region and fostering growth in the African music industry,” MINT CEO Fabian Niggemeier said.

The conference will also hone in on the Zambian music market and offer a dynamic mix of workshops, activations and performances centred around the hip hop, indie and electronic music industries, as well as the Afro-Euro connection.

It will recognise and celebrate five female ambassadors who are making a significant impact within their respective fields, including Megatronic (Dubai/UK), Fundi Mbambani (SA), Naimah Global (Zambia/SA), Namakau Star (SA) and Phelisa Magoqoza (SA).

Recently, ARMC and MTN Bushfire festival in eSwatini announced a continued partnership for the annual Arts Round Table, a workshop held during the festival that provides an opportunity for musicians and music industry professionals to meet, engage and discuss a range of music-related topics. ARMC is also supporting the attendance of a number of German-based artists at MTN Bushfire 2023.

Tickets to ARMC 2023 are available here.