New Skool Rules

From 22 to 24 May, Rotterdam will be completely dedicated to international urban music and culture during New Skool Rules (NSR) 2026. The leading conference and showcase festival will welcome artists, producers, songwriters, executives and music professionals from over 25 countries for three days packed with inspiration, knowledge-sharing and live music.

With De Doelen as the main venue and additional programmes at Karaoke Bar Uniek and Muziekwerf, New Skool Rules once again confirms its position as one of Europe’s most important platforms for urban music and Music of Black Origin (MOBO), including hip-hop, R&B, soul, afrobeats, dancehall and reggae. Since its inception in 2009, NSR has served as a bridge between emerging talent and the international music industry. Each year, the festival offers an extensive programme featuring panels, masterclasses, workshops, showcases, demo listening sessions, speed networking and live performances. During the demo listening sessions, selected artists are given the unique opportunity to present their music directly to A&R managers, producers, labels and other influential industry professionals.

The 2026 edition is expected to feature over 150 performances, around 200 artists, more than 75 international industry professionals and thousands of visitors from home and abroad. Organisations taking part or having previously participated include Universal Music, Sony Music, Def Jam, Warner Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Motown Records and Atlantic Records.

According to the organisers, New Skool Rules is not just about music, but also about community, cultural exchange and sustainable talent development. The festival’s core values are based on the foundations of hip-hop culture: Each One Teach One, respect, community and artistic freedom. 
“New Skool Rules creates opportunities for creators who want to grow internationally, whilst offering a platform for new stories, sounds and connections,” says the organisation.

With its international network and focus on empowerment, NSR remains a key meeting place where creativity and career development converge. As the festival itself puts it: “Your network determines your net worth.”