1020 Cartel Lands Inaugural Music Business Awards Africa Nomination

1020 Cartel Lands Inaugural Music Business Awards Africa Nomination. South African independent label 1020 Cartel has secured a nomination at the inaugural Music Business Awards Africa, adding another milestone to the journey of the imprint founded by Sjava and producer Ruff in 2019.

The label shared the news on social media, thanking the awards organisers and its supporters while encouraging fans to get behind the nomination. “We’ve been nominated at the Music Business Awards!” the label announced. “Thank you to the organisers @musicbusiness_awards for this recognition and to our supporters for being part of our journey. Please help us bring them home together!” Voting closes at midnight on 15 November 2026.

The Music Business Awards Africa was created to recognise the professionals and companies working behind the scenes to build the continent’s music industry. The inaugural event includes categories such as Best Independent Record Label, Best Artist Manager and Best A&R, with the main ceremony set to take place in Pretoria on 21 November.

The nomination adds another chapter to 1020 Cartel’s growth since its beginnings at flat 1020 at Tali’s Place. What started as a creative hub has developed into a broader music company operating across record-label activities, creative work, publishing and concert production.

The imprint has worked with artists including Yallunder, Nue_Sam, Anzo and Mzukulu, building a catalogue that moves across African trap, Afro-pop, maskandi and soulful storytelling. Its approach has centred on developing distinctive African voices while maintaining a strong connection to their roots.

Sjava’s success has also played a significant role in establishing the label’s profile. His catalogue includes the platinum-certified Isibuko and gold-certified Umsebenzi, alongside his continued live performances and collaborations. The acclaimed Inkabi Zezwe project further demonstrated the label’s ability to bring different creative forces together.

As African music continues to expand its presence internationally, the recognition of the businesses and industry figures responsible for developing that music has become increasingly important. For 1020 Cartel, the nomination places its independent model and long-term work within that wider conversation.

The label is now calling on its supporters to participate in the voting process as it pushes for recognition at the inaugural ceremony.

With voting closing on 15 November and the awards taking place in Pretoria on 21 November, 1020 Cartel has a chance to add another achievement to a story that began in a Johannesburg flat and has since grown into a recognised force within South African music.