Sound Beyond Borders: Tackling barriers within the Afro-Boom
Conference
Sound Beyond Borders: Tackling barriers within the Afro-Boom
Speakers: Bethany Andrzejak (Program, Le Guess Who?), Coco Em (DJ), Shimza (DJ), Tobi Mohammed (Program, Homecoming Festival)
Moderator: Joey Akan
This panel addresses structural barriers limiting diversity across the international electronic music industry.
About this program
With the expansion of Afrobeats and Afro-electronic music into the international market, artists and programmers face significant structural, political and economical barriers that continue to separate African artists from the Western playing field: lengthy and bureaucratically heavy visa applications, racial profiling at the borders, as well as hefty financial limitations.
In this program, DJs Shimza (ZA) and Coco Em (KE) will discuss their experiences with agents Tobi Mohammed (Homecoming Festival) and Bethany Andrzejak (Le Guess Who?), moderated by journalist Joey Akan. Together, they will explore the challenges African artists face when touring and share strategies for overcoming these barriers through collaboration with sponsors, agents, and local authorities. They will also discuss the dangers of tapping into international genres such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, Gqom and more without actively making efforts to engage with local artists and communities.
Who is this program for?
This panel is curated for event organizers, brands and festivals who wish to work with African and international artists intending to integrate more international sounds into their lineups. As well as for international artists struggling with their expansion and seeking tools for making their touring experience easier.
This program is part of ADE Green, please note that you need an ADE Pro or ADE Green ticket to join this program. For the full ADE Green program, please check here.
Conference FAQ
ADE PRO
Join us at the Felix Meritis for the full ADE Pro programme. The conference is set to be extended by an additional day, taking place from ADE Wednesday to Saturday. Just down the road the prestigious Andaz Amsterdam by Hyatt Hotels is transformed to a buzzing network & business hub from Wednesday to Friday.
ADE LAB
ADE Lab returns with a four-day programme from ADE Wednesday to Saturday at the Brakke grond and many more venues around the Amsterdam Nes area.
We do not sell ADE Conference only or Day Passes. The only way to get access to the ADE Pro Conference is the ADE Pro Pass.
Tickets for the specialist sessions and ADE Lab can be found on the ticket page.
✓ Valid all 5 days of ADE
✓ Access to all conference tracks: ADE Pro, Lab, Green, Beats & more
✓ Access to all Network events, matchmakings & Business Hubs
✓ Access to ADE Pro's networking database
✓ Access to ADE Festival and Arts & Culture program
✓ The official ADE x G-Star RAW 2024 Bagpack
✓ Travel for free during ADE with GVB
✓ Train like a Pro with TrainMore
and more benefits ...
Read more about the ADE Pro Pass and other tickets.
Our conferences are accessible for all ages in general. Do note that when alcoholic beverages are served, access can be denied.
Happy to see your interest in enhancing and contributing to our Conference program! To submit your conference ideas or panel suggestions for next year, we will communicate an online application form in the beginning of next year.
Our Conference team will review all proposals. If your idea stands out and sparks an interest, we'll reach out to you. Keep in mind that we receive numerous submissions, so using this application form doesn't guarantee selection. We appreciate your understanding.
Info & Ticket Desks for picking up your personal ADE Pro Pass badge & wristband
Felix Meritis (outside)
Address: Keizersgracht 324, 1016EZ Amsterdam
Tuesday October 15: 16:00 to 20:00
Wednesday October 16: 09:00 to 19:00
Thursday October 17: 08:30 to 19:00
Friday October 18: 08:30 to 19:00
Saturday October 19: 10:00 to 19:00
Sunday October 20: CLOSED
~ The best location for collecting your accreditation when you want to visit the ADE Pro Conference.
I Amsterdam Store - Central Station
Address: De Ruijterkade 28 B t/m D, 1012 AA Amsterdam.
Tuesday October 15: 14:00 to 18:30
Wednesday October 16: 09:00 to 18:30
Thursday October 17: 09:00 to 18:30
Friday October 18: 09:00 to 18:30
Saturday October 19: 09:00 to 18:30
Sunday October 20: 09:00 to 18:30
~ This Info & Ticket desk is the most convenient location for people who'd like to pick up their accreditation right after arriving in Amsterdam.
Het Groene Paleis
Address: Nes 76, 1012KE Amsterdam
Tuesday October 15: CLOSED
Wednesday October 16: 18:00 to 22:00
Thursday October 17: 18:00 to 22:00
Friday October 18: 18:00 to 22:00
Saturday October 19: 18:00 to 20:00
Sunday October 20: CLOSED
~ Evening pick-up desk for ADE Pro Passes.
NOTE
Please be aware that your E-ticket is strictly personal and non-transferable. It is mandatory to show your ID/passport during pick-up. Your items cannot be picked up by someone else.
Also, don’t forget to complete your profile details before ADE, to make sure we have the right information to prepare your personal badge.
Haven't received your ticket(s) or cannot find them? You can easily find them by following the steps on this page.
Related Events
Meet the NOMOBIANS at The Gallery Andaz
Hosted by NOMOBO
Nurturing Talent and Innovation in Events, presented by NEXTSTAGE
Industry Session – Registration necessary
A Guide for Entrepreneurs: Fundraising in the Cultural Space
Andrea Rosen (Portfolio Manager, Best Nights VC), Alex Brees (Co-Founder/CEO, un:hurd), Mattia Franco (Co-Founder - CEO, xceed), Sebastien Westerduin (Co-Founder, Woov), Jesper Theil Thomsen (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Soundboks), Georgia Taglietti (ICNAC / AFEM)
The AI Revolution - The International Legal Perspective; Can the Law Save Humans from Creative Extinction by AI?
International Association of Entertainment Lawyers
Tap water at clubs and festivals, presented by Dopper
Eefje Arts (Dekmantel), Esther Koshari (Paradise City), Camille Guitteau (Bye Bye Plastic), Greg Cochrane
Synthweavers Workshop by Secret Artists in Residence (Online-Only)
Secret Artists in Residence with Sie Medway-Smith
Meta Best Practices
Liz Miller (Artist Strategy & Global Partnerships, Meta)
Modular Workshop with Estroe
Secret Artists in Residence
Meet The Chorus - ADEs Startup Class of 24 Showcase
ADE Startups
ADE Business Hub
Business Opportunities