Africa Rising Music Conference Announces Australia Focus

The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) will have a major Australia component this year.

ARMC returns to Johannesburg next month on May 22nd-23rd for its sixth edition.

"Bringing together artists, executives and cultural leaders from across Africa, Europe, the Americas and beyond, ARMC has established itself as the continent's leading platform for cross-continental music industry dialogue," a press release states.

Backed by the PRS Foundation for the third time, this year's ARMC has Australia and Uganda as official focus countries for the first time.

Australia’s inclusion signals ARMC’s growing ties beyond the African continent. Additional delegates from the UK are supported by the PRS Foundation while more from the US, Germany, and Sweden further strengthen the conference’s global reach.

"With a growing network of international partners, delegates and speakers, ARMC 2026 is a key platform for cross-continental collaboration that spotlights emerging scenes while connecting them to established global markets. This year sees new strategic partnerships including with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) alongside expanded international participation," the press release adds.

Confirmed speakers include award-winning artist TRESOR alongside Janesh, Hitboss SA, and Brenda Mtambo. Further speaker and programme announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

"Together, they represent a cross-section of artists and industry leaders shaping contemporary African music while engaging with global audiences through songwriting, production and cultural exchange."

Alongside its main programme, ARMC has introduced a Community Access Pledge in partnership with Bridges for Music, shesaid.so South Africa, The Cradle Crew, and BTCH$ LUV, enabling brands and organisations to donate tickets distributed to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs who would otherwise be unable to attend.

ARMC is a female-led music conference taking place for the sixth time at Constitution Hill this year. The conference is "dedicated to building bridges, knowledge exchange, driving innovation and sustainable growth across the African and global music industries."

Find out more about the Africa Rising Music Conference here.