Africa Rising Music Conference Reveals Speakers, Pillars, and Partners

The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) will return to Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, on May 22–23, 2026. The conference serves as a platform for connecting the African and global music industries through dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. Initial headline speakers have been announced, representing music, technology, media, and culture, with additional international artists, executives, and partners expected to be revealed.

Strategic Partnership with RISA

ARMC 2026 has established a strategic partnership with the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA), representing major and independent record labels in South Africa. This partnership aims to support ongoing discussions regarding rights, sustainability, and long-term industry growth.

Genre Spotlights: Lekompo & Maskandi

The conference will feature spotlights on two distinct genres: Lekompo and Maskandi. Lekompo, a rising genre from Limpopo, has gained significant traction through streaming platforms, with leading artists like Shandesh and Kharishma accumulating over 70–80 million cumulative streams. The program will also explore Maskandi, examining how traditional, community-rooted music continues to reach new audiences through digital platforms while preserving its cultural identity.

Program Pillars

The ARMC 2026 program is structured around four key pillars: Live & Entertainment, Innovation & Music Tech, Education & Employment, and Export & Building Bridges.

AI Think Tank Roundtable

Expanding on the Music in Tech (Africa) format from 2025, the AI Think Tank Roundtable will be held in Johannesburg for the first time. This event, initially launched in Berlin by Paradise Worldwide, the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM), MusicTech Germany, and the Fraunhofer Institute, will bring together music and technology leaders to address ethical AI use, fair attribution, creator protection, and Pan-African independence formats.

Theme Song Release

ARMC has released its 2026 theme song, “3NRGY,” a collaboration between South African artist Money Badoo and Swiss artist Bony Fly. The track was produced during ARMC’s annual studio sessions and reflects the conference’s commitment to creative collaboration.

Tickets and Further Information

Early bird tickets are available through Quicket, with general conference tickets priced at R50 and VIP tickets at R400. Further details regarding the night-time program and additional speakers will be announced in the coming months.

ARMC 2026 is supported by headline partners Paradise Worldwide and Mint Digital Services. The Africa Rising Music Conference is a female-led music conference focused on leadership, artist and executive exchange, fostering collaboration, and building bridges between African and global music markets.