Award Categories
The nomination window for Music Business Awards Africa 2026 has closed. The awards ceremony takes place on 21 November 2026.
Individual Awards
Celebrating the people shaping Africa's music business ecosystem.
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.
View CriteriaBest Artist Manager of the Year
Recognises an artist manager who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and career development in managing African music artists.
View CriteriaBreakthrough 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.
View CriteriaPeople'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.
View CriteriaBest 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.
View CriteriaMost Streamed Commercial Song of the Year
Recognises the most commercially successful African song by verified streaming data during the eligibility period.
Commercial Artist Enterprise Award
Recognises an African artist who has built a significant commercial enterprise beyond music, demonstrating exceptional business acumen.
View CriteriaBest Commercial Songwriter of the Year
Recognises an African songwriter whose work has achieved significant commercial success and cultural impact during the eligibility period.
View CriteriaIndustry Champion Award
Recognises an individual who has made an extraordinary and sustained contribution to the development of Africa's music business industry.
View CriteriaYoung Legend Award
Recognises an emerging young professional (35 and under) who has made an outstanding contribution to Africa's music business.
View CriteriaMost Stream Commercial Artist
Recognises commercial artists for their streaming success.
View CriteriaCompany Awards
Recognising the organisations and companies driving Africa's music industry forward.
Best Independent Record Label
Recognises an independent African record label demonstrating excellence in artist development and commercial performance.
View CriteriaBest Artist Management Company
Recognises the African artist management company that has demonstrated outstanding results in managing artist careers.
View CriteriaBest Independent Music Publisher
Recognises an independent music publisher that has demonstrated excellence in copyright management and songwriter development in Africa.
View CriteriaMusic Legal Excellence Award
Recognises a law firm, legal practice, or individual legal professional making an outstanding contribution to music business law in Africa.
View CriteriaBest 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.
View CriteriaBest Live Music Venue
Recognises the African live music venue that has provided the most outstanding environment for live music performance.
View CriteriaBest Music Licensee
Recognises an organisation that has demonstrated outstanding use and support of licensed music in Africa.
Best Booking Agency
Recognises the African booking agency that has demonstrated excellence in booking and representing African artists for live performances.
View CriteriaBest Music PR & Marketing Agency
Recognises the African music PR or marketing agency that has delivered outstanding campaigns and results for African music clients.
View CriteriaBest Independent Music Education Institution
Recognises an independent African institution making an outstanding contribution to music education and professional development.
View CriteriaMusic 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.
View CriteriaMusic 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 CriteriaBest Commercial Music Campaign
Sponsored by Downtown Music Publishing Africa
View CriteriaSpecial Merit Awards
Oldest Independent Record Label
Chris Ghelakis Award
Lifetime Achievement in Music Business
Honours a lifetime of outstanding contribution to the music business.
View Criteria