Midem has revealed the 11 finalists in the Midem Artist Accelerator (MAA).

Now in its fourth year, the MAA has a track record for preseting rising talent to a wider global audience. Following the 2017 edition in Cannes, participating artists Be Charlotte signed to Columbia Deutschland/Sony Music Germany and Iris Gold signed a global deal with Playground Music Scandinavia.

The 2018 finalists are: AKA (South Africa), R&B/hip-hop/urban; Agar Agar (France), pop; Bez (Nigeria), world; Bigstar (South Africa), R&B/hip-hop/urban; Client Liaison (Australia), pop; Damian Lynn (Switzerland), pop; Dylan Williams (United Kingdom), R&B/hip-hop/urban; Haute (France), R&B/hip-hop/urban; Hyphen Hyphen (France), pop; La Dame Blanche (Cuba), R&B/hip-hop/urban; and T$hego (South Africa), R&B/hip-hop/urban.

All finalists will perform live on the Midem Beach in Cannes in a series of concerts during the event, and will benefit from coaching sessions and unique networking opportunities. The acts also have a unique opportunity to be mentored by a Committee of execs from UTA, Viacom, OkayAfrica and more.

“We are particularly excited about this year’s line-up for the Midem Artist Accelerator, with its strong accent on talent from the African continent,” said Alexandre Deniot, director of Midem. “This truly global event also features artists from as far afield as Australia and Cuba, along with some home-grown French talent. When they all perform live in Cannes, I think that Midem attendees will be in for a real treat.”

This year’s MAA artist ambassador is South African DJ and producer Black Coffee, who will share his know-how with the 11 acts.

“As Midem puts the spotlight on Africa’s bourgeoning music scene, I’m truly honoured to be this year’s Artist Ambassador of the Midem Artist Accelerator,” said Black Coffee. "I’m thrilled to discover the 2018 finalists and be able to share with them my own experience as an artist.”

Midem takes place in Cannes from 5-8 June.

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