By Kevin Rademeyer.
FAME Week Africa 2026 opened at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday, bringing together film, television, music and entertainment professionals for three days of industry engagement, collaboration and business development.
Running under the theme “Africa. Untold. Unstoppable.”, the event connects African creatives and rights holders with international buyers, broadcasters, distributors and industry decision makers, with a focus on taking the continent’s stories and intellectual property to global audiences.
France is this year’s Destination Focus, highlighting opportunities for stronger creative and commercial partnerships between African and French audiovisual industries.
One of the opening day’s standout moments was a performance by South African singer songwriter Amy Tjasink, who presented Feels Like Mzansi, a contemporary reimagining of Mango Groove’s Special Star.
Released through Gallo Remixed in December 2025, the track was written during the FAME Week Africa and Pressure Cooker Studios Songwriting Camp in 2025. Its appearance at this year’s opening brought the song back to the event where it began.
FAME Week Africa portfolio director Martin Hiller said the performance demonstrated how creative collaboration could translate into tangible outcomes.
“There’s something incredibly special about opening FAME Week Africa with a song that exists because of FAME Week Africa,” Hiller said. “A song conceived at FAME Week Africa is now being performed on our opening stage.”
He said the event aimed to build connections that would continue beyond its three day programme, helping generate music, film productions, commercial deals and lasting industry relationships.
The business of African storytelling took centre stage during the opening day of MIP Africa, where industry discussions explored how technology, audience behaviour and international distribution are reshaping film and television.
Sessions examined the role of artificial intelligence in content production, the global reach of locally produced stories and ways to widen access to the screen industries. Other discussions highlighted women’s leadership in film and television, as well as the development of talent and skills in animation and gaming.
The programme also considered how African intellectual property can travel across borders, alongside emerging trends influencing the continent’s creative industries. A session on Ivorian cinema explored the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s film sector and opportunities for greater cooperation across African markets.
Muziki Africa placed the commercial side of music in the spotlight, with artists, producers, publishers and industry professionals discussing rights management, revenue generation and artist development.
Sessions looked at monetising music in a digital market, collaboration between musicians and screen content creators, and how artists can build sustainable careers and audiences in a competitive entertainment landscape.
The programme reflects a broader focus on connecting African talent with the knowledge, partnerships and commercial opportunities needed to grow the continent’s music industry.
France’s participation began with a welcome reception at Cape Town’s historic Labia Theatre on Tuesday evening, 27 October. The event brought together international delegates and industry stakeholders for networking and cultural exchange, followed by a screening of The Phantom of the Opera.
Hiller said the opportunity lay in connecting Africa’s creative talent with investment, distribution networks and international markets. “There’s no shortage of talent or original stories coming out of Africa,” he said. “The opportunity is in connecting that creativity with the right people, investment and markets.”
FAME Week Africa continues until 30 October with industry discussions, business meetings, showcases, pitching opportunities and networking events across MIP Africa, Muziki Africa and the African Fashion Forum.
The FAME Shorts Film Festival will follow from 30 October to 1 November at The Rockefeller Hotel in Cape Town, showcasing independent filmmakers from Africa and around the world.