Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Stories, interviews, and dispatches from across Mzansi.
Africa Rising Music Conference, also known as ARMC, returns to Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 May 2026 for its 6th edition. This year’s programme brings together music, business, culture, technology, and live performance across a two-day experience designed for artists, executives, creatives, and industry decision-makers. The 2026 edition positions ARMC as more than a conference. It is a meeting point for Africa’s music ecosystem and the global industry around it. From daytime panels and workshops to night-time performances, ARMC continues to create space for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and cross-border opportunity. ARMC By Day: Building The Business Behind The Music The daytime programme focuses on the systems shaping the future of African music. Attendees can expect panels, workshops, showcases, exhibitions, and curated networking sessions that connect artists with industry leaders, platforms, and international delegates. Key programme highlights include the introduction of the Sound Bridges Access Fund, created in collaboration with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Pretoria. The fund adds an access-driven layer to the conference, supporting the broader goal of connecting artists, markets, and creative opportunities. The programme also includes sessions with TikTok, Meta, RiSA, and other key industry players. A keynote conversation with Elaine, in partnership with SAMRO, forms one of the major moments of the conference. Other highlights include the Australian Music Market Spotlight, the Turnkey Music and Multimedia Demo Lab, and a dedicated AI Think Tank exploring the impact of technology on the music industry. These sessions give ARMC a clear role in the wider creative economy. It is not only about celebrating music, but also about helping artists understand distribution, rights, platforms, new technology, and international market access. ARMC By Night: The Conference Turns Into Culture When the daytime programme ends, ARMC shifts into its night-time experience. ARMC by Night returns with a broad lineup across live and electronic music, bringing together South African talent and international acts. The lineup includes Ney The Bae, Mörda, Rouge, Brother Kupa, and German artist Henrik Schwarz. The programme also features talent from ARMC focus countries, including Vini Mercy from Uganda, Milan Ring from Australia, and Dobby from Australia. Presented by Johnnie Walker AfroExchange, ARMC by Night will transform Constitution Hill’s Women’s Prison into a live music and cultural space. The partnership places African creativity, collaboration, and exchange at the centre of the experience. Johnnie Walker AfroExchange serves as the brand’s cultural platform in Africa, supporting creative infrastructure and cultural movements across the continent. Through this partnership, ARMC by Night becomes more than a performance event. It becomes a space where artists, brands, and audiences meet around culture. Partnerships Driving The Experience ARMC 2026 also includes several strategic partnerships that support the overall conference experience. Johnnie Walker AfroExchange joins as the presenting partner for ARMC by Night. Jaecoo joins as the official mobility partner, supporting the transport of artists, speakers, and international delegates throughout the event. The conference production is also supported through a collaboration with Lucid Sets, a creative production company known for delivering large-scale festivals, brand activations, and cultural events. Together, these partnerships show how ARMC is building a larger ecosystem around African music. The focus is not only on who performs, but also on how the industry connects, moves, learns, and grows. A Space For Collaboration Ahead of the main conference, ARMC will host a pre-conference networking event on 21 May in collaboration with the Music Business Network. The gathering gives artists, delegates, and industry professionals a chance to connect before the official programme begins. This early networking moment supports one of ARMC’s strongest themes: collaboration. The conference encourages artists and industry professionals to build relationships across borders, sectors, and scenes. According to ARMC founder SJ Nicholson, the conference exists to create real opportunity by connecting artists, markets, and ideas while building systems that support long-term growth in African music. Why ARMC 2026 Matters African music continues to reach global audiences, but global attention alone does not build sustainable careers. Artists need infrastructure, rights knowledge, market access, technology awareness, and strong industry networks. ARMC 2026 speaks directly to that gap. By placing panels, showcases, workshops, networking, international market spotlights, and live performances in one programme, ARMC gives creatives a wider view of the industry. It connects the sound with the system behind the sound. For artists, it offers access to information and networks. For executives and brands, it offers a direct connection to the next wave of African culture. For audiences, it offers a chance to experience the music, ideas, and people shaping the future. Event Details Africa Rising Music Conference takes place on 22 and 23 May 2026 at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg. A new ARMC by Night-only ticket tier is available from R100 via Quicket, giving audiences access to the evening music programme. The full conference programme is available on the Africa Rising Music Conference website. For tickets and more information, visit the official ARMC platforms and Quicket.
FAME Week Africa 2026 is now open for registration, marking the next chapter for one of the continent’s most influential creative industry platforms. Hosted by the City of Cape Town, the event continues to position Africa as a serious player in global content, culture, and commerce. The platform connects creators, investors, studios, and distributors from across Africa and international markets. It serves as a working marketplace where ideas move into deals, and collaborations move into production. Following a strong 2025 edition, the 2026 programme focuses on growth, scale, and global reach. The event is structured around four key pillars: * MIP Africa drives film, television, and digital content deals * Muziki Africa focuses on the music industry and live exchange * African Fashion Forum links fashion with media and culture * FAME Shorts Film Festival highlights emerging and established storytellers This year introduces a strategic spotlight on France, opening direct channels for co-production, funding, and distribution between African and European markets. The move strengthens cross-border collaboration and expands access to international audiences. Cape Town’s role as host reflects a wider push to support creative industries as drivers of economic growth, job creation, and cultural export. The city continues to back platforms that give African talent visibility and access to opportunity. Pre-registration gives industry players early access to programme updates, meeting scheduling, and curated networking opportunities. The event targets professionals across film, television, animation, music, and fashion who want to connect, learn, and close deals. FAME Week Africa stands on a clear idea. African stories hold global value, and the systems to support them are growing stronger each year.
Don't miss our exclusive insights on the future of digital content! Learn about emerging trends, innovative strategies, and how to stay ahead in the fast-paced digital world.
Our recent community meetup in Cape Town was a resounding success! It was inspiring to see so many talented individuals come together to connect, share insights, and explore potential collaborations. We look forward to the next one!