Connecting Sounds: North Africa
On 24 September 2026, BumaStemra and Dutch Music Export brought together music professionals from the Netherlands and North Africa for Connecting Sounds: North Africa.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to a great afternoon. Want to look back on the day? View the photo album here.
During an afternoon of panels, conversations and networking, artists, songwriters, publishers, managers and other music professionals explored one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets. Together, we discussed developments across the region, shared insights and experiences, and explored opportunities for creative and professional collaboration between the Dutch and North African music sectors.
Continuing the connection in Morocco
The connections made during Connecting Sounds: North Africa don’t end here. Building on the exchange in Amsterdam, Dutch Music Export is organising a Creative Mission to Morocco together with BumaStemra and Avalon Music from 12–15 April 2027.
The mission will bring professionals and creatives from the Dutch music sector to Casablanca, with planned visits to Rabat, to meet Moroccan partners, learn more about the local music market and explore opportunities for new music, business relationships and long-term collaboration.
Interested in joining? The open call for the Creative Mission to Morocco is now live. Find out more and apply via the button below.
We hope to see you again at the next edition of Connecting Sounds in 2027!
Continue the connection in Morocco
Apply hereProgram
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 (MD at MSA Music Services)
Panelists: Babek Arjang Far (Harmonite Group), Mohamed El Shaer (The Basement Records), Suhel Nafar (EMPIRE), Farid Benmbarek (Straight Shooter Publishing, Top Notch, Noah’s Ark)
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: Mandy Salem-Aubry (MD at MSA Music Services)
Panelists: Hassan El Shafei (Artist), Inez (Artist), SABRI (Artist), DJ Sta$h (Artist)
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, collaborations and tours across Europe, US 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.