Program 2025
Day 1
22 May 2025
▶ Main Conference Room
| Session | Start | End | Speakers | Moderators | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to ARMC 2025 | 9:30am | 9:50am | Opening | ||
| From Passion to Profession: Unlocking Career Opportunities in the Music Industry | 10:00am | 10:45am | Rehana Pillay (General Manager, Mint Digital Services (Mint African Operations), Nomazulu Mda (Chief Customer Officer, SAMPRA) , Tsenolo Ntsane (Operations Manager, Music Publishers Association of South Africa) | Sibuyile Mabena (Chief Creative Officer, Duma Collective) | This panel explores how to transform your love for music into a successful career. It brings together industry veterans from various sectors to discuss the diverse opportunities available in the music industry. Learn about the skills, networking, and strategies needed to break into the business, as well as the challenges and rewards that come with building a career in music. |
| Resident Advisor Presents: Architects of the Night | 11:00am | 11:45am | Gontse More (Co-founder, P_ssy Party) , Thulani Dandala (Events Director, Until Until and Slow Poison & Friends) , Andiswa Dlamini (Founder, Other Village People) | Nickita Maesela (City Manager Johannesburg, Resident Advisor) | Architects of the Night, presented by Resident Advisor, will offer an inside look into the minds of the people who shape nightlife. This panel will bring together a group of seasoned promoters whose behind-the-scenes work brings club culture to life—curating the spaces, sounds and energy that come to define unforgettable parties. From programming and venue logistics to astute marketing and the art of community-building, our panellists will share their hard-earned insights from the frontline of global nightlife. Whether you're an aspiring promoter or just fascinated by the mechanics behind the culture, this session will explore what it means to design and deliver moments that move people — and keep them coming back. |
| Pitch Perfect: How to get the Media to write about you | 12:00pm | 12:45pm | Bulie Nazo (Managing Director, Stamp Communications) , Nick DeCosemo (Global Editorial Director, Mixmag / Wasted Talent Media) , Neville Ngobeni (Head of TV, Trace Urban & Trace Africa) | Kim Jayde (Founder & Managing Director, KJ Productions PTY LTD) | Getting coverage isn’t just about good music — it’s about the story you tell and how you tell it. This session unpacks what it really takes to get noticed by blogs, radio, and press. From crafting the perfect pitch and finding the right media contacts to understanding timing, angles, and follow-ups, our panel of media insiders and PR pros will share what makes a pitch stand out — and what gets ignored. Whether you're an artist, manager, or creative team member, walk away with practical tools and real-world insights to help your next release, project, or campaign make headlines. |
| Elevating Women & Non Binary Artists in South Africa's Dance Music Scene | 1:00pm | 1:45pm | Money Badoo (Artist) , Gigi Lamayne (Artist) , Namakau Star (Founder, 7th Mantra),Shamiso (Artist) | Laila Mckenzie (Founder/ CEO, Lady of the House) | Hosted by Lady of the House—a global platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in dance music—this panel brings together groundbreaking artists who are reshaping South Africa’s electronic landscape. As the industry rapidly expands and gains the world's attention, it’s vital to ensure women and non-binary voices are not just included but represented at every level. From the studio to the stage, our panelists will share their journeys navigating an often male-dominated space, pushing creative boundaries, and building community through resilience and innovation. We’ll also explore how mentorship, social initiatives, and grassroots movements are widening the talent pipeline and creating a more inclusive, sustainable future for dance music. |
| Crossfade: Where Global Culture Meets Opportunity | 2:00pm | 2:45pm | Oriana Wilkinson (Product Manager, Mouthwatering Records/ Project Manager, Ajiak Home Productions)jiak Home Productions) | Leddi Radebe (Television presenter, BET Africa) | Artists today are more than performers — they’re cultural connectors, bridge-builders, and catalysts for global change. This session explores how creatives are reshaping narratives, forging international networks, and using music as a tool for cultural exchange and opportunity. Join us as we dive into the stories and strategies behind those driving connection across borders — and creating meaningful impact through art, collaboration, and community. |
| Sealand in Conversation with Jack Parow | 3:00pm | 3:45pm | Jack Parow (Artist) | Jasper Eales (Chief Creative Officer and Co Founder, Sealand) | Join us for an engaging conversation between Sealand, a pioneering lifestyle brand committed to sustainability, and Jack Parow, South Africa's iconic rapper known for his distinctive style and cultural influence. This panel will explore the intersection of environmental responsibility and contemporary culture, highlighting how creative collaborations can drive positive change. Discover how Sealand's innovative approach to upcycling materials into high-quality gear aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainability within the creative community. Gain insights into the role that artists and brands can play in fostering environmental awareness and inspiring action towards a more sustainable future. |
| Echoes of Impact: The SAMPRA Development Fund | 4:00pm | 4:45pm | Busiswa (Artist) | Tiyani Maluleke (CMO and Head of the SAMPRA Development Fund, SAMPRA) | Join us for an inspiring conversation on the transformative power of the SAMPRA Development Fund, spotlighting its real-world impact through the journey of acclaimed artist Busiswa. In 2024, Busiswa was awarded support from the fund, enabling her to travel to the renowned Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany — where she performed, collaborated, spoke on international stages, and began writing new music. This session dives into how the fund empowers South African artists to expand their global reach, develop their craft, and access vital international platforms. Hear firsthand how opportunities like these not only amplify individual careers but also uplift the local music ecosystem. |
▶ Workshop Room
| Session | Start | End | Speakers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlphaTheta Beginner DJ Workshop | 10:00am | 12:00pm | Rarri (Artist) | The AlphaTheta Beginner DJ Workshop led by Rarri is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to dive into the world of DJing. Whether you're passionate about mixing music or just curious about how DJs create the perfect set, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the fundamentals. Learn essential skills like beatmatching, transitioning between tracks, and using DJ equipment with confidence. You'll get practical tips and tricks, along with the chance to try out your skills in a supportive environment. By the end of the workshop, you'll be equipped with the basics to start your DJ journey and take your first steps behind the decks! |
| Songwriting Workshop | 1:00pm | 1:45pm | Manana | Step into the creative world of acclaimed artist and songwriter Manana in this intimate, hands-on workshop focused on the art of songwriting. Known for his emotive storytelling and genre-blending sound, Manana will guide participants through his personal process — from concept development and lyric writing to melody creation and arrangement. Whether you're an emerging songwriter or a seasoned musician looking to sharpen your craft, this session offers practical tools, creative insights, and a chance to learn directly from one of South Africa’s most compelling voices. |
| Bad Weather Presents: Developing Your Live Set | 2:00pm | 3:00pm | Jonathan Bandli (Creative Director, Bad Weather Productions) , Money Badoo (Artist) | This interactive workshop dives into the art and strategy of developing a powerful live set. Featuring insights from Jonathan, founder of BadWeather—a South African company behind groundbreaking initiatives like the TYLA Tour—and South African artist Mani Badu, this session explores the key elements that make a live performance unforgettable. The discussion will touch on practical tips for crafting a cohesive live experience, the importance of storytelling in performance, and how to leverage live sets to connect with global audiences. Attendees will also get an insider’s look at BadWeather’s role in elevating artists on international stages and learn how Mani Badu has honed her craft to captivate audiences. This session, moderated by a prominent figure in the hip-hop world, blends conversation with hands-on workshop elements, offering actionable advice for artists looking to elevate their live performance game. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, this is your chance to gain invaluable knowledge from industry trailblazers. |
| The Sound Mind Wellness Session | 3:00pm | 4:30pm | Naimah Fadlallah (Artist, New Future Records) , Mbali Shongwe (Founder, Mindful(l) Organisation) , Alan Freeman (Director, Freeman House Recovery) , Kian Balton | The Sound Mind workshop offers an interactive space for mental health awareness and wellness in the music industry. Creatives and creative professionals will have access to mental health resources, gain insights and information on unique challenges in the music industry, with topics ranging from managing exposure to high risk environments, career pressure, burnout, performance anxiety, imposter syndrome, depression, suicide, substance dependence, addiction, and recovery. The outcomes of this session will focus on creating awareness on mental health, and access to mental health tools and support. Attendees will hear from experts who have experience in mental health and creative fields, like, Alan Freeman, founder of Freeman House Recovery, Mbali Shongwe founder of Mindful(l) Organization, and Kian Balton, a counselor at Mindful Organization. |
▶ Networking Area
| Session | Start | End | Speakers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meet The Media | 2:00pm | 3:00pm | TBC | In today’s music landscape, visibility is everything. "Meet the Media" is your opportunity to connect with key journalists, editors, content curators, and media platforms shaping the narrative around music in Africa and beyond. Whether you’re an artist, publicist, or manager, this session will help you demystify media engagement and take your promo game to the next level. Bring your story—and your questions! |
Day 2
23 May 2025
▶ Main Conference Room
| Session | Start | End | Speakers | Moderators | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamas in Music | 10:00am | 10:45am | Thuso Wa Sibini (Project Management Assistant, Africa Rising Music Conference) , Rethabile Khumalo (Director, WinnKay Music Records & Management) , Yvonne Chaka Chaka (Artist) , Nicole | Sarah Jane Nicholson (Founder, Africa Rising Music Conference) | Balancing motherhood and a music career is no small feat. This panel, "Mamas in Music," brings together powerhouse women in the industry who are redefining what it means to be both active in the business and a mother. Our panelists will share personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for thriving in both roles. |
| Music in Tech (Africa) – Talent Call by Paradise Worldwide, Fraunhofer & MusicTech Germany | 11:00am | 11:45am | Thabo Phahlane (Label Manager - Paradise Worldwide) , Nelo (Founder, Xpressed Records) (Label & Operations Manager, Paradise Worldwide - Africa) , Ralph Boege (Managing Director, Paradise Worldwide) | Paradise Worldwide presents Music in Tech (Africa) The session is about Independent Distribution, how to support the Content Creator with Tech and Campaigns, what it means to own Music Rights and how to generate a cashflow (from monthly income to the Sale of Catalogue / Exit). | |
| International Insights: Building Careers Beyond Borders | 12:00pm | 12:45pm | Charisse C (Artist) , Abaasa Rwemereza (Founder / Project Manager, Amplify Uganda Music Expo) , Zachary Glavan (Artist Manager / VP, Pressure Artist Talent / CIRCA) | What does it take to break emerging talent beyond their home turf? This session explores the collaborative dynamics between an artist, their manager, and an A&R as they work across international markets — with a focus on talent rooted in Africa’s diverse soundscapes. | |
| How Labels Navigate the DSP Ecosystem | 1:00pm | 1:45pm | Quentin Pilet (Label Manager / Head of Communication / Artist Manager, Les Disques Bongo Joe) , Jina Min (Streaming Partnerships and Strategic Lead - Africa, EMPIRE) , Spiro Damaskinos (A&R Director, Sony Music Entertainment Africa) | Sarah Jane Nicholson (Founder, Africa Rising Music Conference) | In today’s digital-first music landscape, success on streaming platforms is essential — but far from accidental. This panel brings together label executives and digital strategists to unpack how they navigate the complex ecosystem of DSPs like Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and more. |
| Securing Sponsorships & Building Sustainable Events | 2:00pm | 2:45pm | Candice Thurston (Marketing Executive, Absa Group) , Lloyd Cornwall (Chairman / Founder, Massive Management Holdings PTY LTD , Delicious Festival SA PTY LTD) | In today’s competitive event landscape, securing sponsorships and building long-term partnerships are key to creating financially sustainable experiences. In this session, Lloyd Cornwall and Candice Thurston share expert insights from both sides of the table — giving you the tools to craft the perfect pitch, align with the right brands, and drive real value for your sponsors.. | |
| Audiomack - Revolutionizing Music Discovery in Africa | 3:00pm | 3:45pm | Charlotte Bwana (Vice President of Marketing EU, Africa & MENA, Audiomack) , Felix de Jong (Sr. Marketing Manager + Head of Electronic, Audiomack) | Join Charlotte Bwana and Felix De Jon of Audiomack for an in-depth keynote exploring how the platform is transforming music discovery across the African continent. From empowering emerging artists to shaping listener behavior with data-driven curation, Audiomack is redefining how African music is found, shared, and celebrated. | |
| Preserving the Pulse: Safeguarding Africa’s Musical Heritage in the Digital Age | 4:00pm | 4:45pm | Tito Biteketa , Lesiba Mankga (Editor, HYPE Magazine) , Ayanda Jiya (Director, Ayandastand Music) | Khosi Thwala (Artist / Owner, Oriigins) | As African music continues to gain global recognition, the responsibility to preserve its roots has never been more critical. This panel dives into how both traditional and contemporary African sounds are being archived, passed down, and honored in an era shaped by digital consumption, streaming, and artificial intelligence. |
▶ Workshop Room
| Session | Start | End | Facilitators | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlphaTheta Intermediate DJ Workshop | 10:00am | 12:00pm | Ms Party (Artist) , Lelo Whatsgood (Artist) | Take your DJ skills to the next level with our AlphaTheta Intermediate DJ Workshop let by Lelowhatsgood and Ms Party. This session is designed for DJs who have mastered the basics and are ready to refine their technique and expand their knowledge. We’ll dive deeper into advanced mixing techniques, including complex transitions, track selection, and creative effects. Our expert DJs will also cover aspects of performance, crowd reading, and creating seamless sets that captivate your audience. This hands-on workshop offers a chance to practice with professional-grade equipment while receiving personalized feedback to help you elevate your DJ game. |
| The Importance of Collaborating with Female Artists | 3:00pm | 3:45pm | Themba Molongoana (Head Of A&R at GRESHAM ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (PTY) LTD) , Rouge The Rapper | In this engaging workshop we explore why collaboration with female artists is not just beneficial — it’s essential for a diverse, inclusive, and innovative music industry. Attendees will gain insights into the unique perspectives, creative value, and cultural impact that women bring to music collaborations. Through real stories, industry strategies, and actionable advice, this session will equip artists, producers, and creatives with tools to foster meaningful partnerships that amplify female voices and unlock new artistic possibilities |
| Moon Jelly presents: Fan Engagement House | 4:00pm | 4:45pm | Remko de Jong (Co-founder/Strategy Director, Moon Jelly Agency) |
▶ Networking Area
| Session | Start | End | Speakers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meet The Industry - Get booked and signed! | 2:00pm | 3:00pm | TBC | Looking to take your music career to the next level? This networking session is your chance to connect directly with booking agents, label reps, artist managers, and industry insiders who are actively scouting new talent.Whether you’re an emerging artist, producer, or music entrepreneur, “Meet the Industry – Get Booked and Signed!” gives you the inside track on what decision-makers are really looking for and how to position yourself for success. |
