Nomination Rules
Please read the general rules and terms of submission before preparing your nominations for the Music Business Awards Africa.
Eligibility Period
All submitted work must fall between 01 October 2025 and 28 August 2026.
Deadline
Nominations close on 28 August 2026.
General Rules
1. Self-nomination is permitted. You may nominate yourself, your own company, or a client you represent.
2. The same nominee may be entered into multiple categories, provided they meet the specific criteria for each category.
3. All nominees must be based in Africa, or the majority of the work submitted must have a demonstrable impact on the African music business ecosystem.
4. The nominator is responsible for ensuring all information submitted is accurate and verifiable.
5. Evidence must be submitted as accessible external links. Do not submit password-protected links.
Nomination Criteria
Music Business Awards Africa 2026
The following nomination criteria apply to all competitive award categories unless otherwise specified. These requirements determine whether a nomination is eligible to proceed to the judging stage.
1. Eligibility Period
All achievements, projects, releases, campaigns, performances, business activities, or contributions submitted for consideration must have occurred within the official Music Business Awards Africa eligibility period, as published annually by the Awards Committee.
2. African Music Industry Contribution
Nominees must be based in Africa, operate within Africa, or have made a significant and measurable contribution to the African music industry during the eligibility period.
3. Category Eligibility
Nominees must satisfy the specific eligibility requirements of the category for which they are nominated.
Where applicable, nominees must demonstrate that they meet requirements relating to:
- Profession
- Business type
- Ownership structure
- Age
- Organisational status
- Industry sector
4. Independent Categories
Categories designated as Independent are open only to independently owned artists, companies or organisations.
Major multinational corporations, their subsidiaries, affiliates, or majority-owned businesses are not eligible for these categories.
5. Supporting Documentation
Every nomination must be supported by relevant evidence appropriate to the category.
Examples include:
- Artist biographies
- Company profiles
- Portfolio of work
- Streaming reports
- Sales reports
- Royalty statements
- Publishing registrations
- Event reports
- Campaign reports
- Media coverage
- Contracts
- Testimonials
- Financial performance (where relevant)
- Audience attendance figures
- Social media analytics
- Industry certifications
The Awards Committee may request additional supporting information where necessary.
6. Accuracy of Information
All information submitted must be accurate, truthful and verifiable.
Providing false, misleading or fraudulent information may result in immediate disqualification.
7. Professional Standing
Nominees must demonstrate professional conduct and uphold the ethical standards expected within the African music industry.
The Awards Committee reserves the right to reject nominations that may bring the Awards into disrepute.
8. Rights & Permissions
The person submitting the nomination must have permission to submit the entry and to provide any supporting materials, including photographs, videos, music, logos, trademarks or confidential business information.
9. Public Vote Categories
For categories determined through public voting, nominees must comply with the official voting rules published by the Music Business Awards Africa.
Any attempt to manipulate the voting process may result in disqualification.
10. Verification Process
The Music Business Awards Africa reserves the right to independently verify any information submitted.
Verification may include consultation with:
- Rights organisations
- Record labels
- Publishers
- Collection Management Organisations (CMOs)
- Digital Service Providers (DSPs)
- Auditors
- Industry partners
- Regulatory bodies
Failure to provide requested verification within the specified timeframe may result in the nomination being withdrawn.
11. Conflict of Interest
Members of the Music Business Awards Africa Advisory Board, Expert Council, Judging Panel, Auditors, Secretariat, and Organising Committee may not participate in the judging of any category where a real or perceived conflict of interest exists.
Where a conflict is declared, the judge will recuse themselves from that category.
12. Final Acceptance
Submission of a nomination confirms that the nominee:
- Meets the eligibility requirements.
- Accepts the Awards Rules and Regulations.
- Agrees to the verification process.
- Accepts the decision of the Music Business Awards Africa Expert Council as final.
Nomination Checklist
Before submitting a nomination, applicants should ensure that:
- The nominee meets all category eligibility requirements.
- Activities fall within the official eligibility period.
- All required supporting documents are included.
- The information provided is accurate and verifiable.
- Necessary permissions have been obtained.
- The nomination form has been completed in full.
- The nomination has been submitted before the published closing date.