South African talent took center stage at the prestigious Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany, marking a significant moment for the country’s evolving music export initiatives. In a collaboration led by the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC), SAMPRA, and panel curator Collabeez, internationally acclaimed South African artist Busiswa was prominently featured, showcasing her growing global influence. This initiative underpins the power of mobility and what it means for African acts to be showcased on global stages.
Busiswa’s Showcase and Panel: A Powerful Statement
Busiswa’s journey at Reeperbahn began with her participation in an insightful panel on September 19th. She shared her experiences and perspectives on the South African music industry, highlighting its rapid evolution and international potential. Following this, on September 21st, Busiswa delivered an electrifying performance at Bahnhof Pauli. The venue was packed, and audiences were captivated by her signature mix of powerful vocals and high-energy stage presence, her set included her empowering collaboration with Beyoncè on her song My Power from The Gift Album and hits such as Her Name Is by DJ Zinhle Busiswas topline vocal which affirms all queens around the world . Her spin on electronic music, including Afro Tech, Gqom, and Amapiano reaffirming her place as a global music icon.
Busiswa’s involvement wasn’t just a performance, but a testament to the vibrant, evolving music scene in South Africa. Her performance was a standout moment, illustrating the immense talent and global appeal that South African artists bring to the table.
Reflecting on her time at Reeperbahn Festival, Busiswa remarked,
“Being a part of Reeperbahn was extremely eye-opening for me, to see so many acts on so many stages. I realized that the African representation was quite small in comparison to the size of the festival. This means that we have a lot of work to do as African artists to put our music out across the globe and on different platforms. It was an honor to be a speaker at one of the panels.”
Creative Collaborations and Cultural Exchange
While in Germany, Busiswa also participated in creative studio sessions with both local and international artists and producers. These collaborations blended her distinctive voice and the rich Xhosa language with European influences, pushing the boundaries of her sound and showcasing a true cultural exchange. This fusion of African and European styles further demonstrated the power of music to transcend borders, with Busiswa at the heart of this exciting evolution.
Expanding Opportunities for South African Artists
Busiswa’s involvement was part of a broader initiative to expand opportunities for South African artists on the international stage. Through a partnership with the Federation of Music Conferences, ARMC continues to provide platforms for South African artists to engage with international music industry professionals. This initiative creates valuable opportunities for music export, allowing South African musicians to reach new audiences and markets.
Building Bridges Through Music: A Global Success
The success of this initiative was made possible by the collaboration between Africa Rising Music Conference and Paradise Sound System, who have been dedicated to bridging cultures and fostering cross-continental partnerships. These efforts have not only amplified the voices of South African artists but have also created meaningful connections between African and European music communities.
SAMPRA, which played a key role in supporting the project, also backed the Building Bridges Internship, an initiative in collaboration with Paradise Worldwide. This internship aimed to equip the next generation of music professionals with the skills needed to navigate the global music landscape, further cementing the foundation for future cultural exchange and partnership.
