The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) is gearing up for its seventh edition, with the annual music industry gathering set to return to Johannesburg’s Constitution Hill on 21 and 22 May 2027.
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Under the banner ‘Where Culture Meets,’ ARMC is opening its doors to artists, music professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders from Africa and its diaspora.
The conference has launched a global call for artists and speakers, giving music industry creatives and thought leaders an opportunity to put themselves forward for the 2027 programme.
Applications open for artists and speakers
Applications opened on 5 October 2026 and will remain open until 31 December 2026.
ARMC is looking for artists, live acts, DJs and music-makers with distinctive creative identities who are ready to connect with new audiences.
The call is open to emerging voices and established independent talent, with the conference looking for artists who represent the depth, diversity and evolution of music coming from Africa and its diaspora.
Selected artists will be considered for the ARMC 2027 live programme and showcases, providing opportunities to perform in front of audiences, industry professionals and potential collaborators from across Africa and internationally.
Industry voices invited to shape the conversation
ARMC is also inviting speakers who are actively contributing to the future of the music industry.
Artists, executives, entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural leaders can submit ideas for conversations and discussions that could contribute to building a more connected and sustainable African music industry.
The conference is particularly interested in practical knowledge and fresh perspectives across areas including artist development, rights and royalties, technology and innovation, touring, music exports, funding, live music, entrepreneurship and sustainable career models.
The aim is to create conversations that go beyond theory and give participants knowledge and ideas that can be applied in the real world.
2 Days of music, conversations and connections
Taking place at Johannesburg’s historic Constitution Hill, ARMC 2027 will bring together artists, music professionals, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, partners and audiences for two days of conversations, workshops, networking, showcases and live music.
At the heart of the conference is its mission to create meaningful connections between African talent and the global music industry.
ARMC also continues to place a strong focus on female leadership, independent voices and communities that remain underrepresented in the music business.
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Building bridges between Africa and the global music industry
Since its launch in Johannesburg, ARMC has developed into an international meeting point for people working across Africa’s music ecosystem.
The platform connects artists and industry professionals with international markets through conferences, showcases, workshops, artist development initiatives and international exchange programmes.
Its year-round work aims to help African artists and music businesses build knowledge, relationships and sustainable pathways into new markets.
As ARMC explains, the conference is “not just a place to talk about the future of African music” — it is a space where the people actively building that future can meet.
What participants are saying
The conference has also received positive feedback from international music industry professionals.
Berlin-based music executive Meike Nolte previously described her experience at ARMC as unique, highlighting the enthusiasm of participants and the opportunity to meet people who are actively taking charge of their 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.”
She added that participants had clearly put thought into their careers and were taking their futures into their own hands.
Early bird tickets now available
Alongside the call for artists and speakers, early bird tickets for ARMC 2027 are now available.
The seventh edition will take place on 21–22 May 2027 at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.
Applications for the artist and speaker programmes close on 31 December 2026. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or booking, with programme, travel and production details to be shared directly with selected participants.
For those looking to be part of the next chapter of Africa’s music industry, ARMC 2027 is set to bring together the artists and voices shaping where the continent’s music goes next.
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