The Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, under the leadership of MEC Funani Jerry Maseko, collaborated with the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) to launch the inaugural Limpopo Music Dialogue on 18 June 2026 at the Meropa Casino in Polokwane. This event gathered over 100 artists, industry experts, collecting societies, government officials, and music entrepreneurs aimed at enhancing and celebrating the growth of the music sector in Limpopo.
Central to the program was Lekompo, a sound that has emerged from the townships and villages of Limpopo. What began as a local phenomenon has transformed into a national force, garnering millions of streams, creating employment, fostering business development, and elevating the profile of Limpopo’s artists across the country.
The gathering recognized the artists, producers, and industry figures crucial to the genre’s achievements, highlighting Limpopo’s nominees and winners during the Metro FM Music Awards Celebration.
The agenda included discussions aimed at equipping artists with the necessary skills for building enduring careers. Sessions addressed topics such as artist wellness, mental health, music rights and income generation, personal branding, and strategies for navigating the contemporary music landscape.
Supported by Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) – renowned as Africa’s premier music business conference and a platform for promoting African talent globally – this initiative is part of wider efforts to link Limpopo’s creative community with both national and international opportunities.
A discussion on wellness, organized in partnership with The Sound Mind, featured esteemed artist and pastor Mr. Selwyn, along with other notable figures from the industry. They explored the significance of mental health, resilience, and sustainable practices in creative professions.
The event also showcased insights from key industry players such as HitBoss SA, instrumental in Lekompo’s ascent, Nelo Mathenjwa of Paradise Worldwide (Africa), and representatives from SAMPRA, SAMRO, CAPASSO and RiSA, who discussed topics including royalties, publishing, neighboring rights, and more.
“Today’s artists need more than talent alone. They need access to knowledge, networks and industry infrastructure,” says Thuso Majatau, facilitator of the programme and representative of ARMC. “Limpopo has become one of the most exciting music regions in South Africa. This gathering is about ensuring that artists and entrepreneurs have the tools to turn creative success into long-term careers.”
MEC Funani Jerry Maseko stated: “Limpopo is producing some of the country’s most exciting talent. As a government, we have a responsibility not only to celebrate these achievements but to create pathways that allow artists and creatives to thrive. The programme reflected the province’s commitment to supporting the creative economy and ensuring that local artists are positioned to benefit from the growth of South Africa’s music industry. We’re excited to collaborate with Africa Rising Music Conference on this important initiative and look forward to growing this platform in the years ahead.”
The day concluded with networking opportunities and a celebration of the Metro FM Music Awards nominees and winners, alongside key contributors shaping Limpopo’s music landscape. Festivities are set to continue with performances, networking sessions, and a live broadcast of the Bafana Bafana match.
As Lekompo evolves from a local movement to a national trend, this event highlights that Limpopo is not just producing popular music but is influencing the trajectory of South African music as a whole.
