ACCES 2024: In a landmark event for the African music scene, Rwanda is set to host ACCES 2024, the Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange, and Showcases.
This prestigious event will occur from November 14th to 16th, 2024, marking the first time the East African nation will welcome Africa’s premier music market. The conference is poised to boost Rwanda’s creative economy and elevate its standing within the African music industry.
What is ACCES 2024?
ACCES 2024 is Africa’s largest trade show for music professionals, bringing together key players from across the continent and beyond. It serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and foster business partnerships.
Organized by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) and the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MINIYOUTH), ACCES 2024 will present a range of opportunities for musicians, producers, promoters, and fans to explore the vibrant and growing African music industry.
The event will feature a blend of conferences, live showcases, and workshops, with a special focus on Rwandan music. As Rwanda plays host to this incredible event, it signals the country’s growing importance in the African music scene.
Conference and Networking: The Heart of ACCES 2024
The two-day conference is one of the most significant aspects of ACCES 2024, creating a dynamic networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing space. From November 14th to 15th, 2024, the conference will be held at the iconic Kigali Convention Center, running daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The ACCES 2024 conference will host various panel discussions and keynote addresses that explore important topics impacting the African music industry.
Music business professionals, including top executives, producers, artists, funders, promoters, and publishers, will engage in meaningful dialogues on issues such as music rights, production, digital marketing, and the role of technology in promoting African music.
The event will also offer the chance to establish valuable connections, with local and international music industry stakeholders expected to attend. Whether you’re an artist seeking collaborations or an industry executive looking for the next big thing in African music, ACCES 2024 provides the ultimate networking platform.
Live Music Showcases: Spotlight on African Talent
A significant highlight of ACCES 2024 will be the two-day live music showcases, where over 20 top African artists will perform. The showcases will take place at the Mundi Center on November 15th and 16th, from 6 PM to 1 AM each night, offering an exciting lineup of performances that span various genres and regions of Africa.
Artists scheduled to perform include Sir Trill, Heavy K, Zaki Ibrahim from South Africa, Octopizzo from Kenya, Bantu Spaceship from Zimbabwe, Wamoto from Tanzania, and many more. These live performances are carefully curated to represent Africa’s diverse musical landscape, from Afrobeat and hip hop to traditional sounds and contemporary pop.
For Rwanda, the showcases will spotlight the country’s hip-hop subculture with a special performance by +250, a collective featuring rising stars like Bushali, Ish Kevin, Angell Mutoni, Nikita Heaven, B-Threy, and Ice Nova. This showcase will celebrate the vibrancy of Kigali’s hip-hop scene and the emergence of Rwandan artists on the global stage.
Workshops: Building the Future of Africa’s Music Industry
In addition to the conference and live performances, ACCES 2024 will offer workshops to develop critical skills for music professionals. These workshops are a central part of the event’s focus on capacity-building, offering aspiring and established industry professionals the opportunity to gain insights into key areas of the music business.
Workshops will cover music production, artist management, intellectual property rights, and digital distribution. This hands-on training is essential for artists and industry professionals seeking to thrive in the increasingly competitive African music market. Participating in these workshops will give attendees valuable knowledge and skills to help them grow their careers.
Celebrating Rwandan Music Heritage: The MIA Honorary Awards
A highlight of ACCES 2024 will be the MIA Honorary Awards, which recognize and celebrate African music icons who have significantly contributed to their countries’ cultural heritage. This year’s ceremony will honour a Rwandan music legend for their outstanding work in promoting Rwandan music and culture.
The MIA Honorary Awards have previously recognized major figures in African music, including Baaba Maal from Senegal, Ebo Taylor from Ghana, and Vusi Mahlasela from South Africa. These awards are a testament to the power of music in preserving and promoting African culture.
By highlighting Rwanda’s musical heritage, ACCES 2024 seeks to inspire future generations of musicians and promote the country’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Key Event Information for ACCES 2024
Dates: November 14th to 16th, 2024
Venues:
- Kigali Convention Center: Conference, exhibitions, and professional market
- Mundi Center: Live music showcases and networking events
Both venues will serve as the hub for the entire three-day event, ensuring attendees have access to all aspects of ACCES 2024, from conferences to live performances and workshops.
Registration and Press Accreditation for ACCES 2024
Registration for ACCES 2024 is now open to the public, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Given the high-profile nature of the event, early registration is encouraged to secure a place at this influential music conference.
Press accreditation is mandatory for media professionals wishing to cover ACCES 2024. Journalists must apply for accreditation at least 15 days before the event, ensuring access to the conference and its many activities.
Why ACCES 2024 is a Must-Attend Event for Music Professionals
Hosting ACCES 2024 is a major milestone for Rwanda and an essential moment for the African music industry. The event will not only provide a platform for collaboration and creativity but also serve as a springboard for new talent across the continent.
Attending ACCES 2024 will give you unparalleled access to Africa’s top music professionals, from established artists to industry leaders. The event is also the perfect opportunity to discover emerging talents, make meaningful business connections, and expand your music industry knowledge.
For Rwanda, this event cements the country’s place as a key player in the African music scene, showcasing its potential as a destination for creative and cultural development. With top-tier talent, valuable industry insights, and hands-on workshops, ACCES 2024 promises to be the most important music event of the year.
By hosting ACCES 2024, Rwanda is stepping into the global spotlight and reinforcing its role in shaping the future of African music. If you’re passionate about music, culture, and the potential of the African creative economy, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
