The ninth edition of ACCES will return to Johannesburg from 28 to 31 October 2026, with conference sessions at The Forum in Bryanston and showcase performances across the city.
The conference programme runs on 29 and 30 October at The Forum, The Campus, in Bryanston. The expanded showcase festival and ACCES Industry Nights will take place at venues across Johannesburg from 28 to 31 October.
ACCES brings together artists, executives and music professionals from across the continent and beyond for networking, knowledge exchange and live performances.
First batch of artists
- Sun-El Musician
- Sylent Nqo
- Chakires et le groupe Oulanga
- Philani Bubu
- FimFim
- Abavuki
- Ben Pol
- Francis Soal
- Rorisang Sechele
- Mary Anibal
- The SN Project
- The Joy
- Giuliette Price
- Akra
Artist profiles
Sun-El Musician, born Sanele Sithole, is a South African DJ, producer and songwriter known for a melodic Afro-house sound. He rose to prominence with ‘Akanamali’, featuring Samthing Soweto, and followed with hits including ‘Sonini’ and ‘Bamthathile’. His albums Africa to the World and To the World & Beyond have earned multiple awards and platinum certifications. In 2026, he headlined Red Bull Symphonic: Afro House, Our Home in Johannesburg.
The band led by Sylent Nqo, an award-winning guitarist and composer also known as the “Guitar Sangoma”, blends Afro-jazz, rock and indigenous Zimbabwean music. The group has appeared at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and Hard Rock Cafe events across Southern Africa.
Chakires et le groupe Oulanga (Réunion/Comoros) draws on musical traditions from Comoros and Mayotte, combining jazz, reggae and m’godro rhythms. The group also promotes cultural exchange through community projects and artist development initiatives, with performances that balance acoustic intimacy and audience participation.
Singer, composer and multidisciplinary artist Philani Bubu, billed in the initial announcement as Pilani Bubu, blends jazz, soul, funk, poetry and spoken word. Her work includes collaborations with the Maya Angelou estate on the orchestral production Hope Springing High: Still I Rise and an appearance on Cameroonian artist Blick Bassy’s Bikutsi 300 album.
Producer, rapper and singer FimFim has become one of Ghana’s emerging alternative artists by blending hip hop, Afrobeats and local musical influences. His performances and genre-fluid approach have helped establish him within Ghana’s contemporary music scene.
Cape Town Afro-fusion outfit Abavuki celebrates 25 years together in 2026. Originating from Langa, the group has toured extensively across Europe and Asia, including Germany, Belgium and China. Its latest studio album, The Right Key, continues a signature blend of African rhythms and uplifting melodies.
Award-winning Tanzanian singer Ben Pol is known for emotionally driven songwriting and collaborations across East Africa. His latest album, Flamingo, explores themes of love and relationships, while collaborations with Joh Makini, Wangechi, Avril and Nako have broadened his regional appeal.
Singer, songwriter and producer Francis Soal, born Benjy de Kock, is known for crossing musical boundaries. His debut album, Hindsight 2020, combines progressive rock, jazz, reggae and blues, and his production credits include projects by Kujenga, Internet Athi, Kitso Seti, Sun Quintet and Nobuhle Ashanti.
Afro-jazz vocalist Rorisang Sechele brings an emotionally driven performance style centred on healing, affirmation and hope. Her latest album, The Seed, explores themes of resilience and self-discovery. She has appeared at Jazz in Jozi by Concerts SA, the Basadi in Music Awards and The Express Show.
Zimbabwean singer-songwriter Mary Anibal combines traditional Zimbabwean music with contemporary influences and incorporates indigenous instruments such as the mbira. She has appeared at Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar, Habari Africa Festival in Canada and MASA in Côte d’Ivoire.
Alternative artist The SN Project blends R&B, jazz, funk and neo-soul. His work has earned collaborations with artists including Manana, Zoe Modiga, Keorapetse William Kgositsile and Thando Zide.
Vocal group The Joy rose to international attention through viral TikTok performances before appearing alongside Doja Cat at Coachella 2024 and on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Their recent single, Precious, combines Afro-soul and Afrobeats, showcasing the harmonies that have become their trademark.
Cape Town-based jazz singer Giuliette Price is known for intimate, emotionally charged songwriting. Following her debut EP Rather Lie in 2024, she released Anxiously Preoccupied. She has performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, National Arts Festival and UCT Jazz Festival.
Alternative four-piece Akra combines rock with African musical influences to create what the band describes as Afro-rock. Their music reflects urban life in Accra through songs including ‘Why You Do Me So’, ‘Alive’ and ‘Kandir’. They have previously performed at the Accra Indie Film Festival and FRA!t.
