Music Exchange Nominated for Music Business Conference of the Year at Inaugural African Awards

Music Exchange NPC (MEX) has been nominated for the prestigious Music Business Conference of the Year at the inaugural Music Business Awards Africa.

This nomination places MEX alongside notable contenders such as ACCES and The Music Imbizo, highlighting its significant role in fostering industry knowledge and collaboration within the African music landscape.

Founded in 2009 by industry veteran Martin Myers, Music Exchange is a Cape Town-based non-profit organization that focuses on equipping artists, managers, producers, and songwriters with a deeper understanding of the commercial aspects of the entertainment industry.

Over its 16-year journey, MEX has established itself as a vital platform for practical discussions, workshops, and networking among South African and international music professionals.

The 2026 Music Exchange conference took place on 31 October in Cape Town, as part of FAME Week Africa's Music Week. This year’s event centered on critical topics such as music rights, licensing for film and television, and the implications of artificial intelligence on the music business.

The conference brought together local creatives, international speakers, and industry decision-makers, creating a space for impactful conversations aimed at advancing the industry.

Despite the accolade, Myers emphasized that MEX was not founded with the pursuit of awards in mind. Instead, the organization has consistently aimed to drive outcomes-based conversations that lead to tangible changes for creatives.

This focus on effecting real change has underpinned MEX's mission for over a decade, ensuring that its activities benefit the broader music community rather than serving self-interest.

Public voting for the Music Business Awards Africa is currently open, with details available for those wishing to support Music Exchange. Voting will close at 23:59 SAST on Sunday, 15 November 2026, with the winner announced on Saturday, 21 November 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Sandton in Johannesburg.

To vote, participants can SMS BC03 to 32253 or select Music Exchange on the official voting page.

As the music industry in Africa continues to evolve, initiatives like Music Exchange play a crucial role in bridging the gap between emerging talents and seasoned industry leaders.

By focusing on education and sustainable career development, MEX is helping to shape a more informed and commercially viable future for African creatives.