The spotlight is shifting beyond the stage. While artists often receive the applause, recognition and headlines, an entire network of creative professionals works behind the scenes to make the African music industry move. From artist managers and music publishers to booking agents, marketing teams and entertainment lawyers, these are the people building the business behind the sound.

The inaugural Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA) is looking to change that narrative, with Mercedes-Benz Sandton confirmed as the venue for its first awards ceremony on Saturday, 21 November 2026.

The event signals an important moment for an industry that continues to grow, evolve and create opportunities across the continent.

Celebrating the Business Behind the Music

Based in the heart of Sandton, Mercedes-Benz Sandton will welcome artists, industry executives, media representatives and other key stakeholders for an evening dedicated to recognising the people and organisations shaping Africa’s music ecosystem.

But this is more than another awards ceremony.

The Music Business Awards Africa was established to give recognition to the professionals and businesses whose contributions are essential to the success of music careers, even when their work happens outside the public eye.

Think about the teams responsible for discovering new talent, negotiating deals, securing performances, protecting intellectual property and connecting artists with audiences. Their decisions can influence whether a promising musician builds a sustainable career or struggles to navigate the business side of the industry.

MBAA wants these contributions to receive the recognition they deserve.

Beyond Performing: The Careers Young Creatives Should Know About

One of the most interesting aspects of the awards is its potential to change how young people view opportunities in the music industry.

For many aspiring creatives, entering the music business often means becoming a recording artist, DJ, producer or performer. However, the industry offers an entire ecosystem of alternative career paths that require business knowledge, creativity, technical expertise and strategic thinking.

The inaugural awards will recognise excellence across individual, company and special merit categories, covering areas such as artist management, A&R, songwriting, music publishing, music law, live events, booking, public relations, marketing and music education.

Music amplification platforms that help artists reach new audiences and unlock commercial opportunities will also receive recognition.

For young South Africans interested in entertainment, this creates an opportunity to look beyond the microphone and understand the different skills needed to build a sustainable career in music.

The industry needs more than talent on stage. It needs people who understand how to develop, protect, promote and grow that talent.

Building a Stronger African Music Industry

As African music continues to attract international attention, the infrastructure supporting its growth becomes increasingly important.

Recognition of the business professionals behind successful music careers can help strengthen the industry’s foundations, encourage professional development and inspire the next generation of music entrepreneurs.

The bigger conversation is about creating an environment where African talent is supported by equally ambitious business structures, professional networks and commercial opportunities.

Whether MBAA can become a lasting platform for that progress will be something to watch.

Sandton Sets the Stage for a New Industry Celebration

The first Music Business Awards Africa ceremony takes place on Saturday, 21 November 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Sandton.

Voting closes on 15 November 2026, giving music industry supporters an opportunity to recognise the professionals and organisations making a difference.

For the full nominees list, voting information and event updates, visit www.musicbusinessawards.com or follow @musicbusiness_awards and @musicbusiness_academy.

Because behind every great African music moment is an entire team making it happen.