Africa Rising Music Conference 2026

Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) 2026 returns to Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, on 22–23 May 2026, bringing together artists, executives, technologists, policymakers, and cultural leaders from across Africa and beyond. Now in its next phase of growth, ARMC continues to position itself as a leading platform for shaping the future of Africa’s music and creative industries through dialogue, innovation, and real-world collaboration.

Why Attend ARMC 2026?

ARMC is not just a conference. It is a working ecosystem designed to create pathways between talent, markets, technology, and opportunity.

Across two days, delegates will engage in:

• High-level panels, keynotes, and workshops
• Industry matchmaking and networking sessions
• Artist development and export-focused programming
• Music technology and innovation showcases
• Curated live performances and night-time showcases

First Headline Speakers Announced

Confirmed speakers span music, media, technology, and global markets, including:

• Elaine (Artist)
• Simmy (Singer/Songwriter)
• Filah Lah Lah (Singer/Songwriter)
• Nkosiyati Khumalo (Billboard Africa)
• Rofhiwa Maneta (Meta)
• Steffen Holly (Fraunhofer IDMT, Germany)
• Alex Jukes (Jukebox PR, UK)

More local and international speakers will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

Strategic Industry Partnership

ARMC 2026 is delivered in strategic partnership with the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA), supporting ongoing dialogue around rights management, sustainability, and long-term industry growth.

Genre Spotlights: Lekompo & Maskandi

This year’s programme highlights how regional and traditional genres are scaling through digital platforms:

• Lekompo: A fast-growing genre from Limpopo, now generating tens of millions of streams and reaching national audiences.
• Maskandi: Exploring how culturally rooted music continues to evolve in the digital age while retaining identity.

These spotlights reflect ARMC’s commitment to cultural relevance and market access.

Programme Pillars for 2026

ARMC 2026 is structured around four core pillars:

• Live & Entertainment
• Innovation & Music Technology
• Education & Employment
• Export & Building Bridges

Each pillar is designed to support sustainable careers and cross-border collaboration.

AI & Music Think Tank Roundtable

Building on ARMC’s Music in Tech (Africa) programme, the AI Think Tank Roundtable expands to Johannesburg for the first time in 2026.

Developed with leading international partners, this initiative brings together music and technology leaders to explore:

• Ethical AI use
• Creator protection and fair attribution
• Digital rights and transparency
• Pan-African independence ecosystems

ARMC 2026 Theme Song

The official theme song for 2026, “3NRGY” by Money Badoo (South Africa) and Bony Fly (Switzerland), reflects ARMC’s commitment to meaningful creative collaboration and cross-border exchange.

Listen to "3NRGY": https://paradise.ffm.to/3nrgy

Night Programme

ARMC extends beyond daytime sessions with a curated night-time programme of showcases and live performances across Johannesburg, offering delegates access to emerging talent and key industry players in live settings.

Who Should Attend?

ARMC 2026 is designed for:

• Artists and managers
• Labels and publishers
• Promoters and venue operators
• Music and tech startups
• Media professionals
• Cultural policymakers
• Investors and development partners

If you are building, supporting, or investing in Africa’s music ecosystem, ARMC is where the conversations happen.

Join us in Johannesburg and be part of shaping the next chapter of Africa’s music industry.