Since its inception, Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) has prided itself in being a platform dedicated to fostering knowledge-based conversations amongst artists and executives in the African music industry. For its 5th iteration on the 22nd and 22rd of May, the conference will take place at Constitution Hill — a venue emblematic of South Africa’s journey to democracy.
“As ARMC continues to evolve, our move to Constitution Hill marks a significant milestone—one that we hope will be a lasting home for the conference in the years to come,” ARMC Founder, SJ Nicholson highlighted in a statement. “As we scale, our focus is sharper than ever on impact—specifically, the economic influence we have on the music industry. Through the outcomes of our conference, we aim to deepen our understanding of how international markets operate while upskilling professionals at all levels with the knowledge we bring into Africa each year.”
ARMC aims to bridge the gap between African talent and the international music scene, offering valuable insights for stakeholders eager to navigate the rapidly growing African market.The 2025 edition will feature an exciting lineup of thought leaders, artists, and innovators shaping the global music industry, including:
Rethabile Khumalo, South African Singer/Songwriter and Director at WINNKAY MUSIC RECORDS & MANAGEMENT; Msaki, South African composer, singer, and songwriter; Sibu Mabena, Founder of Duma Collective; South African Hip-Hop icon Jack Parow, Yvonne Chaka Chaka “Princess of Africa”; Charlotte Bwana, Vice President of Marketing Africa & MENA at Audiomack; Nick DeCosemo, Global Editorial Director at Wasted Talent – Mixmag; Phatstoki, Co-Founder of P_ssy Party; Nickita Maesela City Manager Johannesburg at Resident Advisor; Jonathan Bandli, Creative Director at Bad Weather Productions, an innovator in visual storytelling; Rehana Pillay, General Manager at Mint Digital Services; Alan Freeman, Director at Freeman House Recovery and more to be announced soon!Â
These speakers represent the diverse and evolving landscape of the African and international music industries, covering topics such as artist development, streaming, marketing, mental health, and live events.
