JOHANNESBURG: The newly formed Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA) is preparing to announce its first set of nominees next week, focusing on the individuals and entities that operate behind the scenes to advance the music sector in Africa.
Nominees will be revealed on Wednesday, (September 23) at a Mercedes-Benz Motus venue located in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, embracing the theme “Honouring the Music Industry Invisibles.”
These awards aim to highlight the frequently neglected business infrastructure that supports artists, which includes managers, A&R representatives, publishers, lawyers, PR and marketing firms, record labels, educators, and various other professionals within the industry.
Founder Gift Mdlalose expressed that this initiative was born out of noticing how artists often receive accolades while the professionals who contribute to their success remain mostly unrecognized in the public sphere.
“For years, I’ve observed the music industry celebrating what audiences witness on stage, while numerous individuals who are instrumental in developing those careers remain largely unseen,” Mdlalose stated.
He emphasized that managers, A&Rs, publishers, lawyers, public relations professionals, booking agents, educators, and music enterprises are essential for the success of the broader music ecosystem.
“The Music Business Awards Africa was initiated to offer this facet of the industry a credible platform for recognition,” he added.
The first set of categories features 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.
According to Mdlalose, the awards will adopt an evidence-based adjudication framework, necessitating entrants to present supporting documents such as streaming statistics, sales data, royalty figures, campaign outcomes, and proof of industry influence.
He mentioned that this method aims to ensure that recognition is grounded in actual work and impact, rather than mere popularity or public profiles.
“We are very intentional about this: the Music Business Awards Africa is data-driven and focused on business,” Mdlalose remarked.
The evaluation process is spearheaded by an independent Expert Council, which is backed by an Advisory Board led by Adv. Ntsietso Mokitimi-Makhofola, Head of Legal at SAMPRA.
Members of the Advisory Board include Dr Syleecia Thompson from a National University in the U.S. and Dr Chinedu Angus Chukwuji.
Chairing the Expert Council is Vuyisile Mshudulu, who is the Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage at the City of Johannesburg, along with Nobambo Goduka, General Manager at SAMRO, and Kabelo Moremi, Commissioning Editor at CANAL+.
The event on September 23 will also feature a Music Business Network A&R and Showcase, providing up-and-coming music creators a platform to showcase their talents to industry leaders.
Expected to perform during the evening is multi-platinum artist Mthunzi.
Mdlalose remarked that the awards aim to facilitate a more profound understanding and recognition of success in Africa’s music economy.
He envisages a future where young individuals recognize the notable African managers, A&Rs, publishers, executives, and entrepreneurs as readily as they do the artists they manage.
“Recognition brings visibility, and visibility leads to opportunities, investment, and enhanced career pathways,” he stated.
Mdlalose also believes that these awards can elevate the international profile of African music-business professionals, as the continent’s music continues to attract global audiences.
He suggested that global companies and institutions ought to discover African executives, managers, publishers, agencies, and entrepreneurs alongside artists.
The MBAA emerged from Mdlalose’s earlier endeavors in music education and industry growth, including the foundation of the Music Business Academy Southern Africa and the Music Business Network.
He noted that these platforms allowed him to encounter professionals whose contributions to the industry were significant yet underappreciated.
Mdlalose pursued a degree in Music Technology and later broadened his work into fields like music-business education, networking, publishing, artist and catalog development, and collaborations with corporate entities.
Additionally, he has authored a book on music business and has been recognized by Forbes.
For Mdlalose, however, the awards are envisioned to be more than just an annual gathering.
“The Music Business Awards Africa consolidates all those experiences,” he expressed.
“For me, it signifies more than just establishing another awards event. It is about forming an institution that acknowledges the business side of African music and, ultimately, belongs to the industry rather than to myself,” he concluded.
The first Music Business Awards Africa ceremony is slated for Saturday, November 21, 2026, when the winners across the various categories will be unveiled and celebrated.
The announcement of the nominees is set for 7pm on September 23 and attendance is strictly by invitation.
