Rwandan musician Christianne Bukuru, who performs under the stage name Boukuru, has been officially listed among the prominent African artists slated to perform at the 2025 Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES). This significant event is scheduled to take place in Tshwane, South Africa, from October 30 to November 1. Boukuru’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy as she stands as the sole Rwandan artist in a performance lineup predominantly featuring South African talents.

The ACCES conference is a pivotal pan-African trade show designed for music industry players to foster collaborations, exchange innovative ideas, discover emerging talent, and establish crucial business linkages across the continent and beyond. Held annually in a different African city, ACCES consistently draws active music industry professionals from around the globe. The 2025 edition will feature a comprehensive day programme, including discussions, exhibitions, and networking sessions, hosted at the Aula Theatre, University of Pretoria, on October 30-31. The vibrant evening programme, known as the Showcase Festival, will unfold at Propaganda Pretoria on October 31 and 012 Central on November 1.

As the host nation, South Africa naturally commands a significant presence on the performance roster, with more than half of the featured artists hailing from the country. This impressive list includes renowned figures such as Focalistic, Zoë Modiga Kekelingo, Jabulile Majola, Bokani Dyer, Thakzin, Naledi Aphiwe, Sandesh, and Charles Gene Suite. Boukuru’s participation alongside these celebrated artists underscores her growing influence within the African music landscape and provides a valuable platform for Rwandan music on an international stage.

Beyond the host nation, ACCES 2025 will showcase a rich tapestry of African talent from across the continent. Other confirmed artists include Claudio Rabe from Réunion Island, Mpho Sebina from Botswana, Njoki Karu from Kenya, FIMFIM from Ghana, Frida Amani from Tanzania, Oumy from Senegal, and Tobi Peter from Nigeria. This diverse representation ensures a truly pan-African celebration of music and culture, promoting cross-cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

ACCES is diligently organized by the Music In Africa Foundation, a dedicated non-profit pan-African organization committed to advancing African music. For the 2025 iteration, the foundation is collaborating with key partners including the City of Tshwane, the South African National Conventions Bureau, and the SAMPRA Development Fund, ensuring a well-supported and impactful event. The previous edition of ACCES, held in Kigali in 2024, successfully gathered a host of industry leaders, artists, and stakeholders, all united by the common goal of harnessing music for positive change in Africa, featuring over 20 artists from more than 10 African countries.