{
  "id": 17334646,
  "title": "Beyond the spotlight: the unsung heroes of a successful music career",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/beyond-the-spotlight-the-unsung-heroes-of-a-successful-music-career",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-31T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/2026-10-31-beyond-the-spotlight-the-unsung-heroes-of-a-successful-music-career/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Within the glitz and glamour of the music world, a lesser-known group of individuals plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of artists and the industry as a whole. Managers, publicists, publishers, booking agents, and other professionals often toil behind the scenes, working tirelessly to secure contracts, increase visibility, protect songwriting rights, and connect artists with new audiences. However, their contributions are frequently overlooked, overshadowed by the star-studded performances that capture the public's attention.\n\nIn an effort to shine a light on these unsung heroes, the inaugural Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA) was established. This event, set to take place on November 21 at Mercedes-Benz Sandton, aims to recognise the professionals and companies that develop artists and sustain the music industry. The awards will be open to public voting until November 15, with the aim of giving the often-invisible side of the music business a platform for recognition.\n\nGift Mdlalose, the founder of MAA, is a man who understands the importance of this work. A qualified music technologist and audio engineer, Mdlalose has dedicated his career to training aspiring music professionals through the Music Business Academy Southern Africa. He has also founded the Music Business Network, a South African industry platform that has helped establish partnerships across the industry. Mdlalose's own accomplishments include being named one of Africa's top 40 young business owners under 40 in 2025.\n\nThe MAA encompasses a wide range of categories, celebrating individual achievements, companies, and special merit awards. These include \"Best Artist Manager of the Year\", \"Best A&R Manager of the Year\", \"Best Commercial Songwriter of the Year\", as well as the \"Industry Champion Award\" and \"Young Legend Award\". The company categories cover everything from independent record labels and artist management firms to music publishers, law practices, live music events, and public relations. Music amplification platforms, which help artists reach wider audiences, will also be recognised.\n\nSome of the nominees for the awards include Katlego Malatji for the \"Industry Champion Award\" and Shingai Darangwa for the \"Young Legend Award\". South African artists such as Zee Nxumalo have been nominated for categories such as \"Best Artist Digital Presence\", \"People's Choice Artist of the Year\", and \"Commercial Artist Enterprise Award\". Additionally, the company Punchline Projects has been nominated for \"Best Music PR and Marketing Agency\" and \"Best Artist Management Company\".\n\nBy acknowledging the roles of these professionals, the MAA hopes to raise awareness of the diverse career paths available within the music industry. From artist development to rights management, marketing, legal services, and live entertainment, these roles require specialist skills, business knowledge, and networks to help creative work reach its audience. The awards seek to recognise these roles, encourage more people to consider careers outside of performing, and highlight the companies and professionals that support artists within the broader conversation about building a sustainable music industry.",
  "summary": "There are the hidden figures working behind the scenes in the music industry. From managers to publicists, these unsung heroes help shape the careers of your favourite artists.",
  "key_points": [
    "Managers, publicists, and other professionals work behind the scenes in music industry.",
    "Inaugural Music Business Awards Africa (MBAA) to recognize unsung heroes.",
    "MAA founder Gift Mdlalose dedicated to training music professionals."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Formalizing recognition for behind-the-scenes professionals through the Music Business Awards Africa shifts the industry focus toward the specialized business roles necessary to sustain a long-term musical ecosystem.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}