![vmexsa logo [front]](https://vmex.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-cropped-cropped-front-1-scaled.webp)
Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) 2026 took place over the weekend at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, showcasing a compelling array of forward-thinking discussions and opportunities for international networking.
The event emphasized cultural exchange, significantly reinforcing ARMC’s stature as a pivotal platform within the African music industry.
Through its engaging activities, the conference facilitated crucial dialogues about the future of music in Africa, further solidifying its role as an essential venue for industry stakeholders.
Bringing together over 1000 participants, including artists, executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, creatives, and innovators from more than 15 countries.
The conference aimed to engage in discussions about the future of music while prioritizing the creation of concrete opportunities and measurable outcomes specifically for African artists.
The event showcased a prominent line-up of influential figures from music, culture, and government. Notable attendees included Elaine, TRESOR, Kim Jayde, and Janesh.
ARMC 2026 featured a lively music experience with performances from various artists, including Henrik Schwarz (DE), Young Duragg (ZA), Mörda (ZA), Doowap (ZA), Rouge (ZA), HARUNA (UK), and TIMANTI (UK), highlighting the diversity and global influence of contemporary African music culture.
Additionally, institutional representatives from the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, as well as various embassies including the German Embassy, the Australian High Commission, and the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria, participated.
One of the conference’s most significant announcements was the official launch of the Music Mentorship Program for South African Artists, a new collaboration between the German Embassy Pretoria, ARMC and Paradise Worldwide.
Officially unveiled during the conference by representatives from all three organisations, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between creativity and professional music industry development for South African artists.
Marten Menger, head of the cultural department at the German embassy in Pretoria, said, “Music and diplomacy share many traits. They connect people. They foster collaboration. When successful, they create something bigger than the sum of its parts.
“ARMC’s Mentorship Programme for South African Artists is about just that: connections between German and South African artists to create something beautiful. As the German Embassy, we are glad to be part of this.”
Another significant highlight at ARMC 2026 was the establishment of the Berlin AI Think Tank in Africa.
This initiative serves as an essential forum for exploring key issues surrounding artificial intelligence in the music industry, specifically focusing on topics such as creator consent, licensing, attribution, and fair remuneration, all of which are increasingly important in the dynamic music landscape.
The Think Tank brought together local and international stakeholders, including SAMPRA, CAPASSO, AIxchange, AFEM, and Fraunhofer IDMT, to discuss the future of a more independent and sustainable Pan-African AI ecosystem for music and creative industries.
ARMC 2026 enhanced international cultural ties
ARMC 2026 enhanced international cultural ties to Australia through the SA Meets Australia Networking Reception, organized with the Australian High Commission Pretoria, Creative Australia, and Alchemy Music.
The reception featured live performances by Australian artist DOBBY, highlighting the conference when he invited South African rappers for a freestyle collaboration, fostering an authentic exchange between emerging artists from both countries.
The moment reflected ARMC’s broader vision of fostering meaningful global collaboration through music and culture.
Frank Rodi from Alchemy Music emphasised that ARMC provides an important platform to bring together artists and industry from around Africa and the world to exchange experiences, knowledge and ideas.
ALSO READ | MTK and Shwi Mantombazane drop genre-ending new single
“Alchemy Music is proud to bring the first Australian delegation to the event, highlighting common challenges and opportunities as well as showcasing the extraordinary talent of First Nation rapper DOBBY and alternative R&B-ambient electronica singer, songwriter and producer Milan Ring.”
Rouge, known for her hit songs “Mbongo Zaka” and “Sheba Ngwan’O” expressed that participating as an artist at the ARMC this year is particularly meaningful for her, especially after hosting a workshop on female empowerment at last year’s conference.
“I’ve made so many meaningful connections through this platform and witnessed firsthand how important these spaces are for African creatives. ARMC is more than just a conference; it’s a growing movement that the global music industry should be paying close attention to,” she remarked.
.
