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.Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 September 2026 – The stage is set for the inaugural Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA) Nominees Announcement, with Murumba Pitch, Mthunzi, iFani and De Rose confirmed to perform at the highly anticipated industry event on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
The evening will combine the reveal of the inaugural MBAA nominees with a live music showcase featuring some of South Africa’s recognised music acts, bringing together artists, music executives, managers, labels, publishers, media, brands and other key players from across the industry.Taking place at a premium Mercedes-Benz Motus facility in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, the event will officially introduce the nominees competing for recognition at the first Music Business Awards Africa ceremony.A nominees announcement with music at its centreThe MBAA Nominees Announcement is being held under the theme “Honouring the Music Industry Invisibles”, placing the spotlight on the people and organisations working behind the scenes of the music business.
While the performances will provide the entertainment highlight, the main event will be the unveiling of the inaugural nominees across categories covering the business of music.These 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 and Best Independent Music Education Institution, among other categories.Celebrating the people behind the musicThe Music Business Awards Africa was established to address what its organisers describe as a gap in recognition for the professionals who operate behind the scenes of the music industry.From managers and A&R executives to publishers, lawyers, publicists, marketers, labels, booking agencies, educators and music companies, the awards seek to recognise the infrastructure that enables artists and music businesses to grow.MBAA founder Gift Mdlalose said the platform was created to give these professionals greater visibility.
“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,” Mdlalose said.“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.”An evening bringing the industry togetherThe nominees announcement will bring together key figures from across the music ecosystem, creating a space where the business side of the industry and the artists it supports can meet under one roof.The evening will also include a special Music Business Network A&R & Showcase, giving emerging music creators an opportunity to present their work in front of industry decision-makers.
The MBAA says its adjudication process is evidence-based, with nominees required to provide supporting information relevant to their categories, including streaming data, sales, royalty statements, campaign results and evidence of industry impact.The process is led by an independent Expert Council, supported by an Advisory Board.The countdown to the awards beginsThe nominees revealed on 23 September will go forward to the inaugural Music Business Awards Africa ceremony on Saturday, 21 November 2026, when winners across the various categories will be announced and honoured.
For Mdlalose, the event represents another step towards creating greater visibility for the professionals who build Africa’s music economy.“African music is travelling globally, but the professionals and businesses behind that music also need global visibility. We want the global conversation about African music to include the African professionals and businesses responsible for building it.
”Nominees Event detailsMusic Business Awards Africa 2026 Nominees AnnouncementDate: Wednesday, 23 September 2026Time: 6 pm for 7pmVenue: Mercedes-Benz Motus, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Music Business Awards Africa ceremony: Saturday, 21 November 2026Website: www.musicbusinessawards.com
