{
  "id": 9308147,
  "title": "SIMA 2026 to push African music from global influence to economic power",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/sima-2026-to-push-african-music-from-global-influence-to-economic-9308147",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T09:32:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/sima-2026-to-push-african-music-from-global-influence-to-economic-power/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cotonou, Benin – African music is set to transition from a cultural phenomenon to a catalyst for economic growth when the Francophone African Music Industries Fair (SIMA) convenes in November. The third edition of SIMA, slated for November 12–13, aims to translate the continent's expanding global presence into tangible economic benefits, such as job creation, investment, and export earnings. The event brings together artists, producers, investors, policymakers, and international industry stakeholders to discuss the theme \"African Music: From the Stage to Global Influence.\" During SIMA 2026, organizers will focus on three primary objectives: enhancing the competitiveness and global reach of African creative businesses, linking music to sectors like fashion, film, tourism, and sport, and reinforcing public policy, intellectual property protection, and regulatory frameworks. As Africa's creative economy is expected to create up to 20 million jobs by 2030, SIMA underscores the urgency for governments and industry players to establish robust systems for financing, IP protection, distribution, and international market access. The fair's programming will delve into technological advancements like artificial intelligence and innovative content creation, distribution, and consumption models. Co-founded in 2022 by Mamby Diomandé and Pit Baccardi, SIMA has evolved into a nexus for connecting African and international players in the creative economy. The 2026 edition kicks off with SIMA Lab. Music, an artistic residency featuring artists and producers from across Africa to co-create a collaborative EP, potentially distributed by a major international label. The professional program will include discussions on AI, copyright, mobility, financing, and emerging markets, alongside sessions exploring the intersection of music and football. The event will culminate in a tourism circuit, transporting attendees to Benin's cultural and heritage sites on November 14. Supported by Benin's Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Trade, French Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire, BOAD Foundation, SACEM, Sony Music, and Warner Music Africa, SIMA seeks to amplify Africa's cultural and creative industries' impact on the continent's economy.",
  "summary": "NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 23 — Africa’s music industry will come under renewed pressure to convert its growing global visibility into jobs, investment and export earnings when the Francophone African Music…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Capital Business",
        "title": "SIMA 2026 to push African music from global influence to economic power",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/sima-2026-to-push-african-music-from-global-influence-to-economic",
        "published": "2026-09-23T09:32:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}