ARMC Joins Forces with International Collectives to Bridge the Gap between Global Markets and Africa

May 19, 2023

Johannesburg, Friday, 19 May 2023 – The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) is fast approaching! Collectives such as the Berlin Music Commission, Paradise Worldwide, AFEM , and the Berlin Music Board are gearing up for a packed two days. These collaborations aim to bring together prominent delegates from the ARMC 2023 focus territories Germany, Zambia, and South Africa, in order to foster connections with artists and executives in one of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking music markets.

The conference programme and lineup for both nights have been announced including local keynote speakers such as legendary artists Tamara Dey & Winnie Khumalo and International executives such Jake Beaumont-Nesbitt of International Music Manager Forum (UK), Will Dinsdale of Pioneer DJ and Sebastian Sing of MINT. International artists confirmed include Megatronic of Femmefest (Dubai), Aka Kellz (DE), and representing Zambia on the is the highly acclaimed electronic musician, El Mukuka. With his remarkable talent and unique blend of sounds, El Mukuka has captivated audiences worldwide, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music scene.

ARMC By Night covers two genre-themed evenings. Night one boasts the sound of RnB featuring Bholoja (SZ), Aka Kelzz (DE), Venior (FIN), The Planetoids (DE), Namakau Star (SA), Natasha Chansa (ZM), Yolophonik (SA) and many more.

Night 2’s Electronic lineup for ARMC By Night includes OKVSHO (CH), Deep Aztec (SA), Rose Bonica (SA), Megatronic (UK), KMAT DJ (SA), and El Mukuka (Zambia), with Boohle (SA) headlining. Deep Aztec, a tremendously talented South African artist associated with the renowned Mfengu Records, takes centre stage among these exceptional artists. Deep Aztec and Mfengu Records have become synonymous with innovation and creativity thanks to their distinct sound.

Women in Music South Africa (WIMSA) for the second year running support the ARMC as official partners this year collectively collaborating with the Basadi Music Awards. Panel curated by these collection female forward movements includes Queens of the 90’s & 2000’s – History of the South African Landscape by Legends Zanele Nestum Nyakale, Penny Lebyane, Winnie Khumalo, Tamara Dey & Zandi Nhlapo – an A list legend a panel not to be missed!

For the first time this year, the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) will attend the conference with the goal of better understanding the African Electronic Ecosystem and developing plans for future cop operations. Paradise Worldwide and AFEM host a Mixer event in the Penthouse designed in collaboration with World renowned Black Coffee, providing the ideal setting to develop an in-depth understanding of the benefits of being a part of the global electronic ecosystem via organisation AFEM, bringing African electronic music creators and industry professionals closer to the Global market than ever before.

Bridges For Music, an initiative focused on nurturing and upskilling music producers and executives in the heart of South Africa’s Langa township is another co-operating partner of the ARMC closing the conference with a dinner to raise funds for Bridges for Music. With previous fundraising activities held in collaboration with Ultra South Africa, as well as annual events at ADE in Amsterdam and IMS in Ibiza, this debut event in Johannesburg is sure to be a night to remember.

Further defining ARMC’s vision to develop independent and empower artists, ARMC is excited to host two Pioneer DJ Workshops, led by Fundi from Bridges For Music, where artists and producers can learn how to DJ on the spot. This unique opportunity is intended for aspiring DJs who do not have access to equipment but want to learn and potentially create revenue opportunities in the future using the skills learned during the two-day workshop.

“At Pioneer DJ, we want to help change the diversity of the global music industry by giving opportunities to folks who may not get them otherwise. That’s why we’re working with ARMC to put on two workshops with our partner, Bridges For Music next week, to offer a free-of-charge opportunity for persons to get their hands on our equipment, taught by professionals.” – Will Dinsdale (he/him), EMEA Channel Market Manager.

This year, the National Arts Council (NAC) is proud to lend support to ARMC in generating 150 employment opportunities for musicians and executives from South Africa. This initiative facilitates knowledge exchange and enhances their preparedness for engaging in international collaborations.

Local partners supporting the ARMC include South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), Nando’s Music In Africa and TRACE South Africa all of which are incorporated into the program which is now live here.