The Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, led by MEC Funani Jerry Maseko, in collaboration with the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC), have hosted the first edition of the Limpopo Music Dialogue on 18 June 2026 at Meropa Casino, Polokwane, and brought together over 100 artists, industry leaders, collecting societies, government representatives and music entrepreneurs to strengthen and celebrate Limpopo’s rapidly growing music sector.
At the heart of the programme was the phenomenal rise of Lekompo, a sound that has emerged from Limpopo’s townships and villages to become one of South Africa’s most exciting cultural exports. Once considered a local movement, Lekompo has grown into a national force, generating millions of streams, creating jobs, building businesses and putting Limpopo’s artists firmly in the national spotlight.
The event has honoured the artists, producers and industry contributors who have helped shape the genre’s success, including the recognition of Limpopo nominees and winners at the Metro FM Music Awards Celebration.
The programme has featured a series of practical industry discussions designed to equip artists with the tools needed to build sustainable careers. Topics included artist wellness and mental health, music rights and revenue collection, branding, artist development and navigating today’s rapidly evolving music business.
Supported by Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) – widely recognised as Africa’s leading music business conference and a platform dedicated to taking African talent to the world – the initiative forms part of a broader effort to connect Limpopo’s creative community with national and international opportunities.
The wellness discussion, presented in collaboration with The Sound Mind, has featured respected artist and pastor Mr Selwyn alongside other leading voices from the sector, exploring the importance of mental health, resilience and long-term sustainability in creative careers.
The event has also featured leading industry voices including HitBoss SA, one of the key figures behind the growth of Lekompo, Nelo Mathenjwa of Paradise Worldwide (Africa), as well as representatives from SAMPRA, SAMRO, CAPASSO and RiSA, who have shared their insights on royalties, publishing, neighbouring 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 said: “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 has concluded with networking and celebrating the Metro FM Music Awards nominees and winners, as well as key contributors who continue to advance Limpopo’s music industry. The celebrations will continue with showcases, networking opportunities and a live screening of Bafana Bafana match.
As Lekompo continues its journey from local movement to national phenomenon, the event serves as a reminder that Limpopo is not only producing hit records – it is shaping the future of South African music.
















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