Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) returns to Johannesburg’s Constitution Hill on 21 and 22 May 2027, and the search for the artists and voices who will shape its next edition starts today.
ARMC is opening a global call for artists and speakers, inviting the musicians, executives, founders and thinkers driving music from Africa and its diaspora to put themselves forward for the 2027 programme.
Applications are open from Monday, 5 October 2026 until 31 December 2026.
Artist Applications APPLY HERE
Speaker Applications APPLY HERE
Early Bird Tickets: BUY HERE
CALL FOR ARTISTS
ARMC wants the next wave of artists, live acts, DJs and music-makers ready to take their work to new audiences.
The focus is on distinctive artists with a clear creative identity, from emerging voices to established independent talent, who reflect the depth, range and evolution of music coming out of Africa and its diaspora.
Selected artists will be considered for the ARMC 2027 live programme and showcases, putting them in front of audiences, industry professionals and potential collaborators from across Africa and around the world.
CALL FOR SPEAKERS
ARMC is looking for bold voices, fresh perspectives and people actively shaping the future of music.
Artists, executives, entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural leaders are invited to propose conversations, ideas and perspectives that can contribute to a more connected, sustainable and forward-looking African music industry.
Topics can range from artist development, rights and royalties, technology and innovation to touring, export, funding, live music, entrepreneurship and new models for building sustainable careers in music.
Above all, ARMC is looking for practical knowledge, new thinking and conversations that can inspire action, challenge existing models and move the industry forward.
ARMC 2027
Over two days at Johannesburg’s historic Constitution Hill, ARMC brings together artists, music professionals, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, partners and audiences for conversations, workshops, networking, showcases and live music.
At its core, ARMC exists to build meaningful connections between African talent and the global music industry, while amplifying female leadership, independent voices and communities that are still underrepresented across the business.
ARMC is not just a place to talk about the future of African music. It is where the people building it meet.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY
“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. People have taken a lot of thought into their careers and are taking everything into their own hands.” – Meike Nolte, Berlin-based Music Executive
Applications close 31 December 2026.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or booking. Programme, travel and production details will be shared directly with selected participants.
ARMC Early Bird 2027 Tickets : BUY HERE
Contact details: hello@africarisingmusicconference.com
BOILER PLATE: ABOUT AFRICA RISING MUSIC CONFERENCE (ARMC)
Founded in Johannesburg, Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) is an annual music industry conference and cultural platform connecting Africa’s music ecosystem with the global industry.
Since its launch, ARMC has grown into an international meeting point for artists, executives, entrepreneurs, creatives and cultural leaders from across Africa and around the world. Through conferences, showcases, workshops, networking, artist development and international exchange programmes, ARMC creates opportunities for African talent and music businesses to build knowledge, relationships and sustainable pathways into new markets.
With a strong focus on female leadership, independent voices and underrepresented communities, ARMC is committed to building a more connected, inclusive and globally competitive African music industry.
Based in Johannesburg and connected internationally, ARMC works year-round with artists, industry partners and cultural organisations to create meaningful connections between African and global music markets.
ARMC 2027 marks the seventh edition of the conference and takes place on 21–22 May 2027 at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.
Where Culture Meets.