The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) 2026 is set to commence in Johannesburg, South Africa, from May 22-23, bringing together artists, executives, and cultural leaders from across Africa, Australia, Germany, and Uganda. Now in its sixth edition, the conference aims to explore how technology, streaming, and global collaboration are reshaping the future of African music. The ARMC, which started six years ago with the launch of the first Women in Music chapter in South Africa, is a female-led independent team dedicated to driving culture forward from grassroots to export-ready artists and executives. The event features panels, workshops, curated networking sessions during the day, and showcases at night, providing a platform for local and international artists to perform and foster cross-continental collaborations. This year, Uganda is the focus African country, with a delegation of 20 executives and artists attending, alongside an international focus country, Australia, collaborating with the Australian embassy in Pretoria.
Key Players Involved
- Sarah-Jane Nicholson: Artist Manager and Founder of the Africa Rising Music Conference.
- Uganda: This year’s focus African country, sending a delegation of 20 executives and artists.
- Australia: This year’s international focus country, collaborating with its embassy in Pretoria.
Event Timeline
- May 20, 2026: The Africa Report on 702 Breakfast discusses the upcoming Africa Rising Music Conference 2026.
- May 22-23, 2026: The Africa Rising Music Conference 2026 is scheduled to take place at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg.
- Current Status: The conference is preparing to host a diverse group of artists, executives, and cultural leaders to discuss the future of African music.
