SA takes centre stage at IOMMA in Réunion Island

Held from 2 to 4 June, the event brought together music industry professionals, policymakers and artists from several countries. A delegation of 17 South African music industry representatives attended, engaging in networking sessions aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and exploring new business opportunities.

A key diplomatic moment took place on 3 June, when South African delegates were hosted for lunch by Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe. The meeting was positioned as part of ongoing government engagement with the creative sector and its international development initiatives.

Organisers said the increased South African presence at the market reflected years of informal and formal relationship-building between stakeholders in South Africa and Réunion Island. Industry figures involved in the process include André Le Roux of IKS Cultural Consulting, Theresho Selesho of Sho-Sho Consultancy and Sevi Spanoudi of Black Major, alongside Réunion-based cultural and festival partners.

The delegation also held discussions with regional councillor Patricia Profil, responsible for sport and cultural cooperation, and Sakifo Festival founder Jérôme Galabert, as part of efforts to deepen long-term regional partnerships.

Beyond formal meetings, the conference featured a series of live showcases across three nights, presenting artists from Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Performers included South African acts Muneyi, Yugen Blakrok and Bongeziwe Mabandla, alongside Frida Amani from Tanzania, António Marcos from Mozambique, and India-based collective Wild Wild Women.

Mabandla’s performance on the final night formed part of a broader transition between the industry-focused conference and the start of the Sakifo Festival, which follows directly after IOMMA and runs from 5 to 7 June 2026.

Organisers said the programming was designed to link industry dialogue with live performance, creating continuity between the business and cultural components of the week.

The conclusion of IOMMA 2026 has been described by participants as reinforcing South Africa’s role within regional music exchange networks, with expectations that new partnerships and projects will emerge following the event.

Attention now shifts to the Sakifo Festival, which is expected to continue showcasing artists from across the Indian Ocean and further develop cultural ties established during the market.