Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) sixth edition has unveiled the full programme for its 22nd – 23rd May 2026 gathering at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg (South Africa). Bringing together artists, executives, and cultural leaders from across Africa, Australia, Germany, Uganda, and beyond, the two-day event includes the complete ARMC by Night lineup, the daytime conference agenda, and a landmark cultural partnership with Johnnie Walker AfroExchange, with Jaecoo joining as official mobility partner.
ARMC by Night Lineup
ARMC by Night returns with its most globally diverse and genre-spanning programme to date, bringing together African and international talent across live and electronic music. German producer Henrik Schwarz headlines the international contingent, joined by Uganda’s Vini Mercy and Australian artists Milan Ring and Dobby – all representing ARMC’s 2026 focus countries. They share the bill with leading South African artists Ney The Bae, Murdah Bongz, Rouge, and Brother Kupa.
ARMC by Night presented by Johnnie Walker AfroExchange
Presented by Johnnie Walker AfroExchange, ARMC by Night transforms the Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill – a former apartheid-era detention site, now a heritage venue – into a live music and cultural experience. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to amplifying African creative voices, enabling cross-cultural exchange, and supporting the broader ecosystem of artists and creatives. ARMC’s conference production is delivered in collaboration with Lucid Sets, a creative production company with more than 800 events to its name across festivals, brands, and cultural platforms.
“Real cultural progress happens when purpose meets collaboration, when brands don’t just show up, but build with communities in meaningful and enduring ways – words by Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencers and Advocacy, Diageo South, West and Central Africa – That’s the philosophy behind our brand-owned culture platform, Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange, and it continues to guide how we embed our portfolio brands in culture across Diageo”.
Official Mobility Partner
Jaecoo joins ARMC 2026 as the official mobility partner, supporting the transportation of artists, speakers, and international delegates throughout the conference. The partnership reinforces ARMC’s commitment to delivering a seamless, premium experience while enabling efficient movement across key programme moments.
ARMC by Day Programme Highlights
The ARMC by Day programme brings together industry leaders, creators, and innovators for a comprehensive conference experience spanning panels, workshops, showcases, and exhibitions.
Full ARMC programme here, tickets here.
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