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ACCES 2026 promises fireworks with revised Showcase festival format

The 2026 edition of the Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) will introduce a revised Showcase festival format, with performances spread across more than five live music venues in Johannesburg. 

Scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 28 to 30 October, ACCES will bring together artists, music professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders for four days of showcases, panel discussions, presentations, exhibitions, workshops, pitch sessions and question-and-answer sessions.

The multi-venue approach marks a significant change from previous editions and is expected to provide audiences and delegates with greater access to live performances while strengthening the event’s role as one of Africa’s leading music industry gatherings.

The organisers have also announced the first round of artists selected to perform at the showcase festival following an open call for applications.

The initial line-up includes Pilani Bubu (South Africa), Abavuki (South Africa), Francis Soal (South Africa), Rorisang Sechele (South Africa), The SN Project (South Africa), The Joy (South Africa), giuliette price (South Africa), Mörda (South Africa), Mary Anibal (Zimbabwe), Sylent Nqo & The Noisemakers (Zimbabwe), Akra (Ghana), FimFIm (Ghana), Chakires et le groupe Oulanga and (Reunion/Comoros).

Additional performers from the African diaspora in Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Music In Africa Foundation Executive Director Eddie Hatitye said each edition of ACCES had evolved to better serve the continent’s music industry.

“Every edition of ACCES builds on the successes and lessons of the previous one, and our goal is to make the conference more impactful with every year. The revised Showcase festival format reflects that commitment. By expanding to multiple venues across Johannesburg, we are creating more performance opportunities for artists, improving the experience for delegates and audiences, and strengthening ACCES as a platform for collaboration, discovery and music business exchange across Africa.”

The multi-venue showcase format is intended to expose delegates to Johannesburg’s live music ecosystem while accommodating a broader range of artists and musical styles.

ACCES has become one of Africa’s largest music trade events, attracting delegates from across the continent and beyond. The conference combines live performances with professional networking and business development activities aimed at fostering collaboration within the African and global music industries.

Tickets for the ACCES Showcase Festival will go on sale on 1 August.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages. Held in a different African city each year, ACCES attracts active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES 2026 is produced by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organisation, in partnership with the City of Joburg. See all our sponsors on our official website.