Kigali is set to host the seventh annual Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) from November 14-16, marking the first time the event will be held in Rwanda.
Organized by the Music In Africa Foundation in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Arts, the event aims to strengthen the local music industry and position Kigali as a hub for music professionals across Africa.
The free three-day conference will bring together industry leaders, artists, and stakeholders to foster collaborations, creativity, and growth within the African music sector. More than 20 artists from over 10 African countries are expected to perform live at Mundi Centre, alongside workshops to be held at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The agenda includes live music showcases, capacity-building workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities with over 20 influential speakers from the African music industry. Delegates will also visit key music industry hubs in Kigali.
Speaking at a press conference on October 11, Music in Africa Foundation Executive Director Eddie Hatitye emphasized the importance of ACCES in helping musicians view their craft as a business. “Artists need to take the industry seriously, from protecting their work to its distribution, and ACCES is here to support that change,” Hatitye said.
Hatitye also highlighted the foundation’s broader projects, including supporting young artists to travel, organizing workshops on development, and advocating for gender equality and copyright protection in the music industry.
Rwanda’s Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event, noting its alignment with the ministry’s mandate to promote youth and arts development. “This is a great opportunity to discover local talent and facilitate networking with international artists,” she said.
Artists scheduled to perform include Ish Kevin, Bushali, Ariel Wayz from Rwanda, Sir Trill from South Africa, Octopizzo from Kenya, Indigo Saint from Zimbabwe, and many others from across the continent.
ACCES, a Pan-African trade show for music industry players, rotates annually among African cities, having previously been hosted in Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. The event aims to foster new business linkages, strengthen partnerships, and showcase emerging talent across Africa.
