The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) returns in full force for its 5th edition, taking place 22–23 May 2025 at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, with headline partners Paradise Worldwide, AlphaTheta, and Mint Digital Services.
With a strong commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, building bridges across borders, fostering industry independence, and creating access through their free-for-everyone ticket initiative under the slogan “A Space for Every Voice,” ARMC unveils a dynamic speaker lineup, a robust conference program, unforgettable showcases, and the all-new Demo Lab activation.
This year also welcomes ARMC’s most diverse International Delegation to date — featuring influential music executives, curators, and creatives from the UK, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Germany, Austria, Sweden the U.S and more., forging new pathways for cross-continental collaboration and artist export.
The ARMC VIP Experience
While panel sessions are free and open to all, access to workshops, networking sessions, and exclusive areas like the VIP Lounge requires the purchase of an ARMC VIP Ticket. This includes VIP lunch, refreshments, and reserved access to select events. Capacity is extremely limited.
Tickets available here: https://ra.co/events/2110727
NEW: ARMC Demo Lab
Introducing the ARMC Demo Lab — a dedicated space for music tech, lifestyle brands, and gear enthusiasts. From cutting-edge audio products to innovations in lifestyle that reflect the pop culture of the music business, the Demo Lab offers hands-on interaction, networking with product creators, and a front-row seat to what’s next in the industry.
Limited slots are available. Brands interested in showcasing at the ARMC Demo Lab can apply via: hello@africarisingmusicconference.com
ARMC by Day
The ARMC daytime program returns with a diverse and bold lineup of workshops and discussions that reflect the evolving landscape of the music industry. Highlights include:
- AlphaTheta DJ Workshops with Rarri, Ms Party, and Lelowhatsgood
- Songwriting Workshop led by Manana
- Bad Weather Presents: Developing Your Live Set
- The Sound Mind (Mental Health Workshop)
- Moon Jelly Presents: Fan Engagement House
Please note: Workshops are only accessible to VIP ticket holders.
ARMC’s 2025 speaker lineup features trailblazers from the global and African music scenes, including representatives from Sony Music Entertainment, Empire, Audiomack, Mixmag, Rolling Stone, and Bad Weather.
Confirmed artists and music industry veterans include: Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Msaki, Jack Parow, Sibu Mabena, Rethabile Khumalo, Manana, Rouge the Rapper, Money Badoo, and Busiswa — reflecting a powerful intersection of creative artistry and executive leadership shaping the global future of African music.
Notable panels and keynote sessions include:
- Resident Advisor Presents: Architects of the Night
- Sealand in Conversation with Jack Parow
- Echoes of Impact: The SAMPRA Development Fund
- Audiomack – Revolutionizing Music Discovery in Africa
- Pitch Perfect: How to Get the Media to Write About You
All panel and keynote sessions are free to attend.
Mamas in Music Spotlight
This year, Mamas in Music takes centre stage. Founded in the UK in 2019, the global nonprofit supports and advocates for mothers in the music industry by providing community, resources, and equitable pathways through all stages of motherhood.
With ARMC’s own founder recently having entered motherhood, the 2025 edition pays special tribute to women balancing both career and family — spotlighting challenges, sharing global perspectives, and offering tangible solutions to foster a more inclusive industry.
ARMC by Night
On 22 May, ARMC by Night transforms Constitution Hill into a celebration of live music with genre-defying performances from a thrilling mix of local and international artists.
Line-up includes:
K.Keed (SA), Shalate (SA), Bony Fly (CHE), Charisse C (UK), Mibsy (CHE), Samito (MOZ/CAN), AŸA (MAR/YEM), Papa (UK/KEN), OKE (LUX), Money Badoo (SA) and NOTBENJAMIN (SA)
Expect boundary-pushing sets and high-energy showcases reflecting the full spectrum of global music culture.
Phase 2 tickets are now available via this link: https://ra.co/events/2110727
Join the movement. Celebrate African music. Shape the future.
