The Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) has unveiled its 2026 programme, bringing music industry professionals from Africa and beyond to Johannesburg from 28 to 31 October for four days of conversations, connections and live music.
Now in its ninth edition, ACCES returns to Johannesburg following its previous staging in the city in 2021. The conference takes place on 29 and 30 October at The Forum, The Campus, in Bryanston, complemented by live showcases, workshops, exhibitions, networking activities and industry visits across the city.
More than 700 delegates from over 45 countries are expected to attend, bringing together artists, music buyers, record labels, promoters, publishers and other professionals working across the music business.
The conference programme tackles some of the industry’s most pressing questions: how artists build international careers, how music businesses attract investment, how rights translate into revenue, and how touring and digital innovation can connect African markets. Sessions will also explore independent music businesses, sustainable local music ecosystems and Africa’s growing cultural influence.
Conference attendance is free, with registration available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here and view the full programme.
A stellar showcase of talent from Africa and the diaspora
The 2026 edition introduces an expanded showcase format under the ACCES Industry Nights banner, with more than 80 musicians scheduled to perform across four nights.
The line-up includes Sun-El Musician, Blick Bassy, The Joy, Sylent Nqo & The Noisemakers, Rorisang Sechele, Abavuki, Francis Soal, Drega, Maline Aura, Skye Wanda, Kizaba, Kelly Bado, The SN Project, Pilani Bubu, Akra and more.
Running from 28 to 31 October, Industry Nights will take place at The Artistry, Untitled Basement and Jozi Gold, bringing talent from Africa and the diaspora into some of Johannesburg’s distinctive live music spaces.
Alongside the performances, the nights offer opportunities to meet music executives, buyers, promoters and potential collaborators from across the world. Book your Industry Night tickets here.
Opportunities for artists and music professionals
Build your career in technical event production
Women pursuing careers in technical event production are invited to apply for Gender@Work 2026, taking place in Johannesburg from 26 to 31 October. The programme combines training in event production, stage management, live sound and lighting with practical experience working alongside production teams at ACCES. View the requirements and apply here.
Get your music heard by radio professionals
Emerging artists can submit an original song for the ACCES 2026 Emerging Artist Spotlight Competition. Presented with Kaya FM, VOW 88.1, Ukhozi FM and StaFM, the competition gives shortlisted artists live feedback from radio professionals. One winner will receive a Music In Africa promotional package worth R35,000, including studio time, a promotional video, press support and assistance with potential radio playlisting. Applicants must be registered for ACCES and able to attend the conference on 29 and 30 October. Submissions close on 16 October. Submit your song here.
ACCES unveils stellar programme for 2026 edition
The Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) has unveiled its 2026 programme, bringing music industry professionals from Africa and beyond to Johannesburg from 28 to 31 October for four days of conversations, connections and live music. Now in its ninth edition, ACCES returns to Johannesburg following its previous staging in the city in 2021. The conference takes place on 29 and 30 October at The Forum, The Campus, in Bryanston, complemented by live showcases, workshops, exhibitions, networking
SlikourOnLife to present Toss, Touchline and Mad Buddies at ACCES 2026
South African artists Toss, Touchline and Mad Buddies will take part in a discussion on independent music careers at the 2026 Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) in Johannesburg. The session, titled Independent Is the New Major, will take place on 29 October at The Forum, The Campus, in Bryanston. It is presented in partnership with South African music platform SlikourOnLife. The discussion will be moderated by SlikourOnLife founder and chief executive officer Slikour. It will examine the
Call for accreditation: ACCES 2026 in Johannesburg
The Music In Africa Foundation is inviting media practitioners to apply for accreditation ahead of the 2026 Music In Africa Conference for collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES). Slated for Johannesburg, South Africa from 28 to 31 October, ACCES 2026 invites radio, TV, print, and online journalists from across the globe. Highlights Over 1 000 delegates and leading experts from more than 45 countries will gather in Tshwane to shape the future of African and global music. From Grammy winners to African trailblazers, ACCES 2025
Call for applications: Promote your music work at ACCES 2026
The Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) is inviting artists, entrepreneurs, companies and brands to exhibit at its 2026 edition in Johannesburg. The exhibition will take place at The Forum, The Campus, in Bryanston on 29 and 30 October as part of ACCES 2026 music trade event, which runs from 28 to 31 October. The exhibition is designed to give music businesses and creatives an opportunity to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, generate business leads and
Open call: 2026 Gender@Work music industry training in Johannesburg
The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) invites aspiring female technical event production professionals to apply for the 2026 Gender@Work programme, taking place from 26 to 31 October 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The programme combines theoretical training and practical experience to equip participants with the skills needed to deliver live music events. Participants will learn from experienced trainers and industry professionals, with a focus on event production, stage management, live sound and stage lighting. The application deadline is 10 October at 23:59
Call for applications: ACCES 2026 Emerging Artist Spotlight Competition
Submit your song. Get heard by the industry. The Music In Africa Foundation, organisers of ACCES 2026, invites emerging artists to submit one original song, in any genre, for the ACCES 2026 Emerging Artist Spotlight Competition. Shortlisted tracks will receive live feedback from radio professionals from Kaya FM, VOW 88.1, Ukhozi FM and StaFM during a workshop at ACCES in Johannesburg on 29 and 30 October 2026. One winner will receive a Music In Africa promotional package worth R35,000, including studio time, a
ACCES nominated for best music biz conference at MBAA
The Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) has been nominated for Music Business Conference of the Year at the 2026 Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA). The award recognises the African music business conference or summit that has made the most significant contribution to industry knowledge and networking. Produced by the Music In Africa Foundation, ACCES is the only travelling music trade event of its kind. Since its establishment in 2017, it has hosted more than 5,000 creatives from
Sun-El Musician confirmed for ACCES 2026 in Joburg
Award-winning South African producer and songwriter Sun-El Musician has been confirmed for the 2026 Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES), taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 28 to 31 October. Sun-El Musician will headline the ACCES showcase festival programme on Friday, 30 October. Earlier that day, he will participate in a keynote fireside chat at the ACCES Conference. The fireside chat, titled Shaping the Sound, Building the Legacy, will explore Sun-El Musician’s journey from producing chart-topping records
Open call: African cities invited to bid to host ACCES in 2027 and 2028
The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) invites African cities to submit bids to host ACCES, Africa’s leading music trade event in 2027 and 2028. Submit the application by 15 November 2026. In the photo: Veteran South African singer at ACCES 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. Held in a different African city each year, ACCES brings the global music industry to the continent. Recent editions have attracted more than 1,000 delegates from over 45 countries, including artists, executives, investors, policymakers, media, cultural organisations and
First batch of artists to watch live at ACCES 2026
The ninth edition of the Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) will return from 28 to 31 October 2026 at The Forum in Bryanston, Johannesburg, bringing together music professionals from across the continent for four days of networking, knowledge exchange and live performances. The conference will take place at The Forum, The Campus, in Bryanston on 29 and 30 October, while the expanded showcase festival and ACCES Industry Nights will take place at venues across Johannesburg from