On October 7, 2026, professionals from the African music industry gathered at Sciences Po Paris for a panel discussion on the conditions for African artists to access international markets and stages. The event was part of the Africa Day celebrations, organized by the French-African Foundation in partnership with Sciences Po and the AXIAN group. The discussion focused on the theme "The Influence of African Music: From Local Success to Global Stages."
The panel brought together prominent figures from the music industry, including Pauline Duarte, Director of Columbia Labels Group at Sony Music Entertainment, Angelo Gopee, CEO of Live Nation France and MIDEM, artist Singuila, and Marc-André Niang, Director of Warner Music for French-speaking Africa. They shared their experiences and insights on the realities of international markets and the challenges faced by African artists.
The discussion highlighted the need for a better-structured African music ecosystem to support artists in the long term. The role of record labels and live entertainment players was also emphasized. Pit Baccardi, co-founder of the Francophone African Music Industries Salon (SIMA), stressed the importance of transforming the growing success and visibility of African artists into sustainable careers and economic opportunities for sector players.
Corinne Amori Brunet, Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs, called for the creation of an ecosystem that allows African talent to be discovered, trained, produced, and remunerated on the continent. This would enable African artists to have more control over their careers and benefit from their success. The discussion also touched on the upcoming third edition of SIMA, scheduled for November 12-13, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin.
The Africa Day celebrations brought together African and French personalities from various fields, including economics, culture, politics, and academia. The event aimed to reflect on the dynamics shaping Africa and the opportunities available to new generations. The SIMA's participation added a specific focus on the challenges and opportunities in the African music industry.
The panel discussion demonstrated the growing interest in African music and the need for a more structured and supportive ecosystem. The event provided a platform for industry professionals to share their experiences and insights, highlighting the potential for African artists to succeed globally. The discussion also emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in the music industry.
The third edition of SIMA will focus on the theme "African Music: From Stage to Influential Power." The event is expected to bring together industry professionals, artists, and experts to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the African music industry. The discussion at Africa Day has set the stage for what promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful event.
Key points
- African music industry professionals discuss access to international markets and stages at Africa Day in Paris
- Panel highlights need for better-structured African music ecosystem to support artists
- Upcoming SIMA edition to focus on African music's influence and power
