ACCES, a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages will this November in Rwanda host the Music In Africa Conference For Collaborations, Exchange, and Showcases for the first time, marking a historic moment for the country’s creative economy. Taking place from November 14th to 16th, 2024, ACCES will bring together music professionals, artists, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to explore and shape the continent’s vibrant and fast-growing music sector.

Organized by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) and the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MINIYOUTH), this three-day event presents unmatched opportunities for both aspiring and established music professionals, as well as fans.

Celebrating Rwandan musical heritage

A highlight of the event will be the MIA Honorary Awards, where a Rwandan music icon will be honoured for their contributions to the country’s cultural heritage. Previous Music In Africa Honorary Award recipients include Baaba Maal (Senegal, 2017), Eric Wainaina (Kenya, 2018), Ebo Taylor (Ghana, 2019), Bibie Brew (Ghana, 2019), Vusi Mahlasela (South Africa, 2021), Thandiswa Mazwai (South Africa, 2021), Saida Karoli (Tanzania, 2022), and DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra (Tanzania, 2022).

Highlights for ACCES 2024

ACCES 2024 is structured around three key pillars, bringing together the business and creative sides of the music industry:

• 2-Day Conference / MICE Program (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions): ACCES 2024 creates a vibrant platform for networking, discussions, and collaboration on November 14th and 15th, from 9 AM to 5 PM, at the Kigali Convention Center. This event will bring together local music industry stakeholders and representatives from leading global and African music organizations, including top executives, artists, funders, promoters, publishers, etc.
• 2-Day Showcase Festival (Live Music Performances): ACCES offers a carefully curated festival featuring top talents from across the African continent. This year, over 20 live acts will grace the ACCES stage, including Sir Trill, Heavy K, and Zaki Ibrahim from South Africa, Octopizzo (Kenya), Zimbabwe’s Bantu Spaceship, Wamoto (Tanzania), Assa Matusse (Mozambique), Jordan Moozy (Botswana), Kaya Byinshii (Rwanda), Aurus (Reunion Island), Youbana (Morocco), Indigo Saint
  (Zimbabwe), and Banshee (Zimbabwe). A special showcase of Rwandan hip-hop will highlight Kigali’s hip-hop subculture, led by the new local Hip Hop act +250 (Bushali, Ish Kevin, Angell Mutoni, Nikita Heaven, B-Threy, Slum Drip, Ice Nova, and Sema Solé). These performances will happen at the Mundi Center on November 15th and 16th.
• Workshops and Other Side Events: ACCES will offer a specially curated capacity-building program aimed at developing critical music industry skills among both aspiring and established music industry professionals. Details here.