Sho Madjozi to perform and speak at ACCES 2023

Sho Madjozi’s performance at ACCES 2023 is presented in partnership with the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), which will join hundreds of music businesses attending the music trade show. She will also participate in a keynote interview as part of ACCES’ In Conversation series. The session will provide useful information and music industry tips from the globally recognised artist.

ACCES – slated for 9, 10 and 11 November – will bring together industry professionals from more than 40 countries in Africa and around the world for an opportunity to share knowledge, network, exchange ideas, and see emerging and established artists from the continent showcase their work.

Sho Madjozi joins on the ACCES live showcase platform newly announced Tanzanian bongo flava star Marioo, singeli giants Balaa MC and Kadilida as well as Zolani Mahola & The Feminine Force (South Africa), Siti Muharam and The Unguja All Stars (Tanzania), Nour Harkati (Tunisia), Feli Nandi (Zimbabwe), Alostmen (Ghana), Leo Mkanyia (Tanzania), Ngwaka Son Systéme (DRC), Kasiva Mutua (Kenya), Madalitso Band (Malawi) and Damian Soul (Tanzania).

Her rise to stardom began in 2017 following the release of her debut single ‘Dumi HiPhone’ featuring DJ duo PS DJz. The song earned her an appearance on DJ Maphorisa’s BlaqBoy Music Presents Gqom Wave album where she was featured on the track ‘Probleme’. In 2018, she released the ‘Huku’ single off her 13-track debut album Limpopo Champions League, featuring guest appearances from Makhadzi, Kwesta, Marioo, Aubrey Qwana, pH Raw X and YCee. The following year she released her nine-track album What A Life.

Sho Madjozi found widespread global success in 2019 following the release of her hit song ‘John Cena’, which was inspired by the professional wrestler of the same name. She became a global viral sensation when she performed on the Colors platform and The Kelly Clarkson Show, where Cena showed up for a surprise visit while she was performing the song.

Following the release of Limpopo Champions League, Sho Madjozi took home two top awards: Best Newcomer and Female Artist of the Year at the 2019 South African Music Awards (SAMAs). That same year, she triumphed in the Best New International Act (Viewers' Choice) category at the BET Awards. In 2020, she won the Favourite African Star Award at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards against Patricia Kihoro (Kenya), Shekhinah (South Africa) and Teni (Nigeria). The award marked her second international victory following her triumph at the BETs. 

What A Life earned her two trophies in the Female Artist of the Year and Best Traditional Music Album categories at the 2021 SAMAs. Her international reach was further amplified when she appeared on YouTube Music’s Black Voices billboard in Times Square, New York.

The 31-year-old artist has also made various big festival appearances, including Afropunk, One Source Live, Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Global Citizen Festival and MTN Bushfire festival. She is signed to Epic Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.

Sho Madjozi is unapologetically proud of her Tsonga culture, which she also portrays in her traditional wear. In addition to her native Tsonga tongue, Madjozi is fluent in Swahili and incorporates both languages in her music. This will make her a crowd favourite when she takes to the ACCES stage this November.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation, a pan-African non-profit organisation, in partnership with Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, the Tanzanian Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) and Alliance Française.

Register for ACCES 2023 here. African delegates register for free.

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