African Music Industry Pioneers Take Center Stage: Murumba Pitch, Mthunzi, iFani and De Rose to Headline Inaugural MBAA Nominees Reveal
The business engines behind Africa’s exploding global music scene are finally getting their moment in the spotlight.
The inaugural Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA) Nominees Announcement is set to take place on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, at the premium Mercedes-Benz Motus facility in Bedfordview, Johannesburg.
The event will blend a live music showcase with the official unveiling of the nominees competing for the first-ever MBAA accolades.A Night for the “Industry Invisibles”Under the theme “Honouring the Music Industry Invisibles,” the awards look past the onstage performers to celebrate the crucial backend infrastructure of the continent’s entertainment sector.
Founded by Gift Mdlalose, the MBAA aims to fill a historic gap in recognition for the executives, strategists, and legal minds who build global music careers.
“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 stated.
“The Music Business Awards Africa was created to give that side of the industry its own credible platform for recognition.”
The announcement will reveal the frontrunners across an expansive, business-centric list of categories, including, Best A&R Manager, Best Commercial Songwriter, and Best Artist Manager.Corporate & Infrastructure: Best Independent Record Label, Best Independent Music Publisher, Best Music Law Firm, and Best Artist Management
Company.Marketing & Live Strategy: Best Music PR & Marketing Agency, Best Artist Digital Presence, and Best Live Events Production Company.
To ensure absolute credibility, the MBAA uses an evidence-based adjudication process.
Contenders must submit verifiable streaming data, royalty statements, campaign results, and proof of structural impact.
Submissions are rigorously evaluated by an independent Expert Council and an Advisory Board.
Beyond the business proceedings, the event serves as a high-value networking summit, bringing together labels, publishers, brands, and executives.
It will feature a Music Business Network A&R & Showcase, allowing emerging talent to pitch directly to industry decision-makers.
High-energy performances by South African stars Murumba Pitch, Mthunzi, iFani, and De Rose will anchor the night’s entertainment.
The nominees revealed will advance to the main, inaugural Music Business Awards Africa ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, 21 November 2026, where the winners will officially be crowned.
