The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) has opened a global call for artists and speakers for its seventh edition. The event will take place at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on 21 and 22 May 2027.
Applications opened on 5 October 2026 and will close on 31 December 2026, according to Bona Magazine. The yearly music industry meeting runs under the theme “Where Culture Meets”.
The organisers said the conference is “not just a place to talk about the future of African music”. They described it as a place where the people building that future can meet.
ARMC said it wants artists, live acts, DJs and music makers with their own clear creative style. The call is open to new voices as well as established independent artists.
The conference said it is looking for artists who show the range and growth of music from Africa and its diaspora. Artists who are chosen will be considered for the live programme and showcases at ARMC 2027.
These slots give artists a chance to perform for audiences, industry workers and possible partners from Africa and other parts of the world.
ARMC is also asking for speakers who are working on the future of the music business. Artists, executives, business owners, innovators and cultural leaders can send in ideas for talks and panel discussions.
The organisers said they want practical knowledge and new ideas. Topics include artist development, rights and royalties, technology, touring, music exports, funding, live music and building a lasting career.
According to the conference, the goal is to hold talks that go beyond theory. It wants people to leave with ideas they can use in real life.
The two-day event will bring together artists, music workers, cultural leaders, business owners, partners and fans. The programme will include talks, workshops, networking sessions, showcases and live music.
ARMC said its main aim is to build strong links between African talent and the global music industry. It also continues to focus on women in leadership, independent artists and groups that are not well represented in the music business.
The conference started in Johannesburg and has grown into an international meeting point for people in Africa’s music industry. It links artists and industry workers with overseas markets through conferences, showcases, workshops and exchange programmes.
Berlin music executive Meike Nolte attended a past edition. She said the people she met were taking charge of their own careers.
“I’ve been to many conferences, and this is quite special. Everyone is super enthusiastic, you get to meet people who are go-getters, and it’s great to see the level at which people operate here,” Nolte said, according to Bona Magazine.
Early bird tickets for ARMC 2027 are already on sale. The organisers said sending in an application does not guarantee a place on the programme.
Details about the programme, travel and production will be shared directly with the artists and speakers who are selected. Applications for both programmes close on 31 December 2026.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Bona Magazine. Image: Bona Magazine. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.