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Special Merit Awards
Lifetime Achievement in Music Business
Honours a lifetime of outstanding contribution to the music business.
Nominees coming soonVoting Open
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Automotive partner
21 November 2026
The South African State Theatre, Pretoria, South Africa
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Individual Awards
Celebrating the people shaping Africa's music business ecosystem.
+7Individual Awards
Best Artist Digital Presence
To recognise an artist who has demonstrated excellence in building and managing a strong, authentic, and strategically driven digital presence that enhances their career, strengthens audience relationships, and advances the music industry through innovative use of online platforms.
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+4Individual Awards
Best Artist Manager of the Year
Recognises an artist manager who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and career development in managing African music artists.
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+3Individual Awards
Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year
Recognises an independent African artist who has achieved significant commercial or critical breakthrough during the eligibility period without major label support.
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+17Individual Awards
People's Choice Artist of the Year
Celebrating an artist whose music and career have built a strong connection with audiences. Recognising exceptional public support, visibility and impact.
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+4Individual Awards
Best A&R Manager of the Year
Recognises an outstanding Artist & Repertoire professional who has demonstrated exceptional talent discovery, artist development, and creative direction within the African music industry.
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+3Individual Awards
Commercial Artist Enterprise Award
Recognises an African artist who has built a significant commercial enterprise beyond music, demonstrating exceptional business acumen.
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+4Individual Awards
Best Commercial Songwriter of the Year
Recognises an African songwriter whose work has achieved significant commercial success and cultural impact during the eligibility period.
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+3Individual Awards
Industry Champion Award
Recognises an individual who has made an extraordinary and sustained contribution to the development of Africa's music business industry.
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Individual Awards
Young Legend Award
Recognises an emerging young professional (35 and under) who has made an outstanding contribution to Africa's music business.
View nomineesCompany Awards
Recognising the organisations and companies driving Africa's music industry forward.
+3Company Awards
Best Independent Record Label
Recognises an independent African record label demonstrating excellence in artist development and commercial performance.
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+2Company Awards
Best Artist Management Company
Recognises the African artist management company that has demonstrated outstanding results in managing artist careers.
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Company Awards
Best Independent Music Publisher
Recognises an independent music publisher that has demonstrated excellence in copyright management and songwriter development in Africa.
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Company Awards
Music Legal Excellence Award
Recognises a law firm, legal practice, or individual legal professional making an outstanding contribution to music business law in Africa.
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Company Awards
Best Live Music Events Company of the Year
Recognises the African live music events company that has produced the most impactful live music experiences during the eligibility period.
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Company Awards
Best Live Music Venue
Recognises the African live music venue that has provided the most outstanding environment for live music performance.
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Company Awards
Best Booking Agency
Recognises the African booking agency that has demonstrated excellence in booking and representing African artists for live performances.
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+3Company Awards
Best Music PR & Marketing Agency
Recognises the African music PR or marketing agency that has delivered outstanding campaigns and results for African music clients.
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Company Awards
Best Independent Music Education Institution
Recognises an independent African institution making an outstanding contribution to music education and professional development.
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Company Awards
Music Business Conference of the Year
Recognises the African music business conference or summit that has made the most significant contribution to industry knowledge and networking.
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+1Company Awards
Music Amplification Platform
Recognising a platform that meaningfully increases the visibility and discovery of artists and music. Celebrating platforms that connect talent with new audiences and opportunities.
View nomineesSpecial Merit Awards
Dates
Nominees AnnouncementWednesday, 23 September 2026
Public Voting Period (Applicable Categories Only)Thursday, 24 September 2026 – Sunday, 15 November 2026
Awards CeremonySaturday, 21 November 2026
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Award Categories
Browse the official award categories across our main groups.
Individual Awards
Celebrating the people shaping Africa's music business ecosystem.
View 11 CategoriesCompany Awards
Recognising the organisations and companies driving Africa's music industry forward.
View 13 CategoriesSpecial Merit Awards
Recognising the organisations and companies driving Africa's music industry forward.
View 3 CategoriesPartnered With
Proudly supported by the organisations and institutions powering Africa's music industry forward.
A Nation That Works For All
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
The South African State Theatre
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
Motus Mercedes-Benz
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
Gauteng Provincial Government
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
Music Business Academy
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
Propaganda Pretoria
Propaganda Pretoria
Propaganda Pretoria is a massive three-story entertainment destination located in the heart of the Pretoria CBD. Known as one of the largest lifestyle venues in the region, it seamlessly transitions from a high-end restaurant and daytime lounge into a vibrant nightclub with live music, DJs, and VVIP sections
Propaganda Pretoria
Propaganda Pretoria
Propaganda Pretoria is a massive three-story entertainment destination located in the heart of the Pretoria CBD. Known as one of the largest lifestyle venues in the region, it seamlessly transitions from a high-end restaurant and daytime lounge into a vibrant nightclub with live music, DJs, and VVIP sections
U Enough Events & Projects
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
City of Johannesburg
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
A Nation That Works For All
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
The South African State Theatre
A valued partner of the Music Business Awards Africa.
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