Open call: Music Business Awards Africa 2026 nominations

The awards recognise achievements and contributions to the African music industry, with nominees required to demonstrate that their work has had a significant and measurable impact on the sector.

Key details

• Eligibility period: 1 October 2025 to 28 August 2026
• Nomination deadline: 28 August 2026
• Eligibility: Nominees must be based in Africa, operate within Africa, or demonstrate a significant contribution to the African music industry during the eligibility period.
• Self-nominations: Applicants may nominate themselves, their own companies or clients they represent.
• Multiple categories: The same nominee may be entered in more than one category if they meet the specific requirements for each.
• Evidence: Supporting documentation must be provided through accessible external links. Password-protected links are not accepted.

Nomination requirements

Nominees must meet the eligibility criteria for their selected category. Depending on the category, requirements may relate to:

• Profession
• Business type
• Ownership structure
• Age
• Organisational status
• Industry sector

Categories designated as Independent are restricted to independently owned artists, companies and organisations. Major multinational corporations, their subsidiaries, affiliates and majority-owned businesses are not eligible for these categories.

Supporting evidence

Nominations must be backed by relevant and verifiable evidence. Depending on the category, applicants may submit:

• Artist biographies
• Company profiles
• Portfolios of work
• Streaming or sales reports
• Royalty statements
• Publishing registrations
• Event reports
• Campaign reports
• Media coverage
• Contracts
• Testimonials
• Financial performance information, where relevant
• Audience attendance figures
• Social media analytics
• Industry certifications

The Awards Committee may request additional documentation where necessary.

Verification and professional conduct

All information provided must be accurate, truthful and verifiable. False, misleading or fraudulent submissions may result in disqualification.

The Music Business Awards Africa may independently verify information with organisations including rights bodies, record labels, publishers, collective management organisations, digital service providers, auditors, industry partners and regulatory bodies.

Nominees are also expected to demonstrate professional conduct and uphold the ethical standards of the African music industry. The Awards Committee reserves the right to reject nominations that could bring the awards into disrepute.

Applicants must have permission to submit the nomination and provide any supporting materials, including photographs, videos, music, logos, trademarks and confidential business information.

Public voting and conflicts of interest

Nominees in categories decided through public voting must comply with the official voting rules. Attempts to manipulate the voting process may result in disqualification.

Members of the Music Business Awards Africa Advisory Board, Expert Council, Judging Panel, auditors, Secretariat and Organising Committee may not participate in judging a category where they have a real or perceived conflict of interest. Judges are required to recuse themselves where a conflict is declared.

Before submitting

Applicants should ensure that:

• The nominee meets all category-specific eligibility requirements.
• The submitted work falls within the eligibility period.
• All required supporting documents are included.
• Information provided is accurate and verifiable.
• All necessary permissions have been obtained.
• The nomination form has been completed in full.
• The nomination is submitted by 28 August 2026.

By submitting a nomination, applicants confirm that the nominee meets the eligibility requirements, accepts the awards’ rules and regulations, agrees to the verification process and accepts the decision of the Music Business Awards Africa Expert Council as final. Submit your nominations here before 28 August.

Below is the full list of categories:

• Best A&R Manager of the Year
• Best Artist Manager of the Year
• Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year
• People’s Choice Artist of the Year
• Most Streamed Commercial Song of the Year
• Commercial Artist Enterprise Award
• Best Commercial Songwriter of the Year
• Industry Champion Award
• Young Legend Award
• Company Awards
• Best Artist Management Company
• Best Independent Record Label
• Best Independent Music Publisher
• Music Legal Excellence Award
• Best Live Music Events Company of the Year
• Best Live Music Venue
• Best Music Licensee
• Best Booking Agency
• Best Music PR & Marketing Agency
• Best Independent Music Education Institution
• Music Business Conference of the Year