Apply for ACCES 2024 masterclasses in Kigali

ACCES 2024 masterclasses are designed for emerging and established artists, as well as industry professionals, to gain first-hand expertise and guidance from international music executives on a series of critical topics.

The masterclasses, which are in partnership with Ditto Music, Sony Music Publishing and The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), will be as follows:

Date and time: Saturday 16 November – 11am to 2pm
Venue: ACCES 2024 main venue, the Kigali Convention Centre

Mastering digital music distribution: boost your online presence and reach

The masterclass aims to guide participants through the process of distributing their music on leading digital platforms while introducing proven marketing strategies to strengthen their online presence. Attendees will explore the intricacies of digital music distribution, learn how to prepare their tracks for global release, and develop an effective marketing plan to maximize their reach. Additionally, they will gain insider knowledge on pitching their music to major platforms and standing out in the competitive digital music landscape.

• Presented in partnership with Ditto Music.
• With Wendy Verwey Bekker (Ditto Music regional manager Africa, South Africa).

Music publishing 101: protect your work and maximise royalties

The masterclass serves as a gateway for participants to understand how to protect their copyrights, collect royalties, and navigate the music publishing landscape with confidence. Industry experts and creatives will provide valuable insights, breaking down essential strategies—from registering works to negotiating publishing and licensing deals. Participants will also gain practical tools and insider knowledge to master the legal, creative, and business aspects of music publishing, ensuring they maximise the value of their creative output.

• Presented in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
• With Rowlin Naicker (Sony Music Publishing managing director, South Africa).

Maximise your Songwriting Revenue – Think Global

This session will explore how songwriters, managers, and publishers can manage their data to collect royalties globally, including from the largest streaming market, the US. Since 2021, The MLC has distributed over $2 billion to rights holders worldwide. Participants will learn effective strategies for ensuring they receive the royalties they are owed from international markets.

• Presented in partnership with The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC).
• With Indi Chawla (MLC head of international relations, UK).

How to participate

• ⁠Participants can apply HERE; a short introduction video is required.
• All masterclasses will be conducted in English.
• The programme is free, with lunch included.
• Participants are required to attend the entire masterclass series.
• ⁠Participants must be over 18 years of age.
• Participants already be must be in Kigali on 16 November to attend the masterclasses (no travel costs covered).

Applications close on 31 October at 12.pm CAT, and all applicants will be notified by 5 November.

View the full masterclass programme here.

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 2024 is organized by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organization, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Ministry of Youth and Arts in Rwanda (MINIYOUTH), Siemens Stiftung, the French Institute, Goethe-Institut and Mundi Center. See all our sponsors and partners here.