Music Business Awards Africa celebrates the people and organisations behind the continent’s music industry, symbolising visibility, recognition and a commitment to strengthening the business infrastructure that makes African music possible.
The Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA) will officially announce the nominees for its inaugural awards on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, marking a significant milestone for a new platform dedicated to recognising the professionals, companies and organisations working behind the scenes of the music industry.
Under the theme “Honouring the Music Industry Invisibles,” the Music Business Awards Africa shifts the spotlight beyond the stage to recognise the people and businesses responsible for building, managing, protecting, promoting and commercialising music.
The official Nominees Announcement will be hosted at a premium Mercedes-Benz Motus facility in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, bringing together music industry executives, artists, managers, record labels, publishers, collecting societies, media, corporate partners and other key stakeholders. categories recognising both individuals and organisations within the music business. music industry ecosystem.
The MBAA seeks to recognise that ecosystem. behind successful music. EVENT DETAILS Official Nominees Announcement Venue: Mercedes-Benz Motus. Access: Strictly by invitation.
The announcement follows an industry-wide entry and adjudication process, with submissions considered across Categories include Best A&R Manager, Best Artist Manager, Best Commercial Songwriter, Best Artist Digital Presence, Commercial Artist Enterprise, Best Independent Record Label, Best Independent Music Publisher, Best Artist Management Company, Best Music PR & Marketing Agency, Best Music Law Firm, Best Live Events Production Company, Best Music Licensee, Best Independent Music Education Institution, and other areas of the
The evening will also include a special Music Business Network A&R & Showcase, creating an opportunity for emerging music creators to present their work in an environment attended by industry decision-makers.
The Music Business Awards Africa was established to address a longstanding gap in industry recognition: while artists and performers are traditionally celebrated at music awards, thousands of professionals and businesses responsible for building sustainable music careers often operate outside the public spotlight. From A&R executives discovering talent and managers building careers, to publishers administering compositions, lawyers protecting intellectual property, labels investing in recordings, marketers building audiences and organisations supporting the broader music economy, the awards recognise the infrastructure.
The inaugural Music Business Awards Africa ceremony will take place on Saturday, 21 November 2026, where winners across the various categories will be announced and honoured.
Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026, 7pm.
Website:www.musicbusinessawards.com
