North Africa is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing music markets in the world. To explore the opportunities, trends and creative collaborations driving growth across the region, BumaStemra and Dutch Music Export invite you to Connecting Sounds: North Africa.
Join us for an afternoon of industry insights, inspiring conversations and valuable networking opportunities with artists, songwriters, publishers, managers and other music professionals active in the region.
Whether you’re looking to expand your international network, discover new opportunities or gain a deeper understanding of the North African music market, this event is not to be missed.
Participation is free, but spots are limited. Register now via this link.
- Date: Thursday 24 September 2026
- Location: Rokin 75, 1012 KL Amsterdam
- Time: 13:30 – 19:00
Program
Welcome to Connecting Sounds: North Africa
BumaStemra and Dutch Music Export welcome music professionals, creators, and industry leaders to a day dedicated to strengthening connections between North Africa, the Netherlands, and the international music market. Together, we explore opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and business growth across borders.
The state of music rights in North Africa
Hosts: Shain Shapiro (Music Economy Development Initiative)
How are music rights managed across North Africa, and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead for creators and rights holders? Through key facts, figures, and market insights, this session offers a deeper understanding of how the music ecosystem is evolving and what it means for songwriters and publishers operating in the region.
Doing music business in North Africa: Navigating a fast-growing and diverse market
Hosts: Mandy Salem Aubry (Mandy Salem-Aubry Music Services)
Panelists: Babek Arjang Far (Harmonite Group), Ghali Bouzouba (Sony Music Publishing Arabia), Mohamed El Shaer (The Basement Records)
North Africa is emerging as an increasingly influential force in the global music industry, creating new opportunities for artists and publishers. In this session, leading industry experts explore the region’s evolving music ecosystem, highlighting market trends, business opportunities, and the realities of operating across diverse territories and cultures.
From publishing, rights management, and royalty collection to artist development, international expansion, and strategic partnerships, the discussion will provide practical insights for music professionals looking to build sustainable careers and businesses between North Africa, Europe, and the wider global music ecosystem.
From Shaabi to EDM: Connecting North Africa and the Netherlands through music
Hosts: TBA
Panelists: Hassan El Shafei (Artist), Inez (Artist), Sabri (Artist), DJ Sta$h (Artist), Farid Benmbarek (Straight Shooter Publishing, Top Notch)
From traditional genres such as Shaabi and Rai to contemporary sounds like Hip-Hop, Afro, Amapiano and EDM, artists from North Africa are continuously pushing creative boundaries and reaching new audiences around the world. At the same time, collaborations with Dutch songwriters are creating opportunities for exciting musical fusions.
This session explores how cultural heritage, identity and innovation influence the creative process, and how cross-border collaborations can spark new sounds that resonate both locally and globally.
DYSTINCT x Avalon Music: From Connecting Sounds to International Success
Hosts: Mahi Khalesi
Panelists: Anouar Ait Taleb (Avalon Music, DYSTINCT) , Redouan Ait Taleb (Avalon Music, DYSTINCT)
With millions of streams and collaborations across Europe and North Africa, DYSTINCT has built a unique position in today’s music landscape by seamlessly blending Arabic fusion elements and urban music into a sound that transcends borders.
In this session, we will discuss the story behind his rise to international success, and the role Avalon Music, co-founded by Anouar and Redouan Ait Taleb, has played as a strategic partner throughout that journey. The conversation will explore how DYSTINCT developed his distinctive sound, built an international audience, and successfully connected different sounds without compromising his artistic identity. From creative vision and collaborations to artist development and international strategy, this session offers valuable insights into building a sustainable music career in today’s global industry.
Networking drinks & bites
Join fellow artists, songwriters, publishers, managers, and music industry professionals for an informal networking reception. Connect with delegates from North Africa and the Netherlands, exchange ideas, explore future collaborations, and continue the conversations sparked throughout the day over drinks and Moroccan bites.
Want to attend?
Connecting Sounds: North Africa is free to attend. Simply sign up here to secure your spot!