The Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA) is set to celebrate the people and organisations responsible for building, developing and sustaining the African music industry, introducing a dedicated platform that places the business behind the music firmly in the spotlight.
Taking place on Saturday, 21 November 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Sandton, the inaugural Music Business Awards Africa will recognise and celebrate the contributions of music industry professionals whose work is essential to artists’ success but often takes place behind the scenes, away from the public spotlight.
While artists and performers traditionally occupy centre stage at music awards, the wider industry depends on a network of managers, A&R executives, songwriters, publishers, record labels, booking agencies, publicists, legal professionals, educators and event organisers. These are the people who discover talent, develop careers, protect intellectual property, build audiences and create the commercial opportunities that allow music to thrive.
The Music Business Awards Africa seeks to address this recognition gap by celebrating excellence across the music business, while creating greater visibility for the professionals and enterprises shaping the country’s music economy.
“For years, I’ve watched the music industry celebrate what audiences see on stage, while many of the people responsible for building those careers remain largely invisible,” says Gift Mdlalose, founder of the Music Business Awards Africa.
“Managers, A&Rs, publishers, lawyers, PR professionals, booking agents, educators and music companies are critical to the ecosystem. The Music Business Awards Africa was created to give that side of the industry its own credible platform for recognition.”
The awards feature individual, company and special merit categories, reflecting the breadth of expertise required to build a sustainable music industry. Individual categories include Best Artist Manager of the Year, Best A&R Manager of the Year, Best Commercial Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year, Industry Champion Award and Young Legend Award.
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Company categories recognise excellence in areas including independent record labels, artist management, music publishing, music law, live music events, booking agencies, PR and marketing, music education and music business conferences. The awards also recognise music amplification platforms that help artists reach new audiences and unlock opportunities.
The breadth of the categories reflects an understanding that a thriving music industry requires more than talent alone. It requires professional expertise, effective business structures, investment, collaboration and the protection of the creative work at the heart of the sector.
The nominees represent a wider music ecosystem spanning creative development, artist representation, commercial strategy, music rights, live entertainment and audience engagement. Together, the categories aim to recognise the different disciplines and businesses that contribute to the industry's growth.
Beyond celebrating achievement, the Music Business Awards Africa aims to inspire the next generation of music professionals by increasing awareness of career opportunities beyond performing. Greater visibility for the people working behind the scenes can help strengthen professional networks, encourage investment and demonstrate the range of pathways available to those seeking careers in music.
As African music continues to reach audiences around the world, the businesses and professionals responsible for developing, managing and commercialising that music are an increasingly important part of the story. The awards seek to ensure that recognition of African music’s global impact also extends to the people and enterprises helping to make it possible.
The inaugural Music Business Awards Africa ceremony will take place on 21 November 2026. Be sure to follow @musicbusiness_awards and @musicbusiness_academy for all updates. For more information, voting details and the full nominees list, visit www.musicbusinessawards.com.
