Two of South Africa’s brightest stars, Focalistic and Naledi Aphiwe, are set to headline the upcoming ACCES 2025 conference, taking place in Tshwane from Thursday, 30 October 2025, to Saturday, 1 November 2025. The highly anticipated event will bring together leading voices in African music, digital innovation, and international touring strategies, offering a roadmap for turning viral success into sustainable careers.
According to The South African, the conference will also feature Grammy Award-winning producer Gordon Williams, alongside other industry innovators such as Thakzin, who will spotlight opportunities within Web3 and his pioneering 3Step genre.
Focalistic, popularly known as the President ya Straata, will share exclusive insights from his international “Piano To The World” campaign, which has taken Amapiano to stages across Europe and North America. His session will highlight strategies for building successful global tours while staying rooted in South African identity.
On the other hand, 18-year-old Naledi Aphiwe, whose rise from township choir singer to global sensation included a viral collaboration with Chris Brown, will discuss the challenges and triumphs of managing sudden fame at a young age. She is expected to inspire the next generation of African artists with her story of balancing matric studies with a rapidly growing career in the spotlight.
Each speaker brings unique expertise to the table:
- Focalistic on the global expansion of Amapiano.
- Thakzin on digital innovation and Web3 opportunities.
- Naledi Aphiwe on maintaining artistry and authenticity while navigating viral success.
The sessions will explore critical themes such as international touring strategies, cultural authenticity in the age of digital transformation, and the power of viral moments to launch lasting music careers.
Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of the Music In Africa Foundation, emphasized the importance of the event: “ACCES serves as the premier platform uniting the international music market with Africa’s vibrant creative spirit, creating concrete opportunities for partnerships and economic growth.”
With Focalistic, Naledi Aphiwe, Thakzin, and Gordon Williams on the lineup, ACCES 2025 promises to be more than a conference—it will be a convergence of creativity, business, and culture. The event is expected to attract industry professionals, young creatives, and international stakeholders eager to tap into Africa’s booming music ecosystem.
This year’s edition is not only a celebration of African talent but also a powerful statement: Africa’s sound is global, and its stars are shaping the future of music worldwide.
