The Detroit Music Awards Foundation is a Michigan 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to recognize Detroit area musicians working on a national, regional, and local level. Its purpose is also to support and nurture the musical community in the Detroit metropolitan area and to create a network for musicians that cuts across genres and styles. 

The DMAF was chartered in 1988 by a distinguished group of Detroit music and media professionals. The fledgling group held its first award show in 1992 at Detroit's Music Hall and moved to the State Theatre (now known as The Fillmore Detroit) in 1993. In 1998, the organization merged with the Metro Times-sponsored Detroit Music Awards. Now, the Detroit Music Awards Foundation is a single entity presenting the Detroit Music Awards each spring. In 2005, the ceremony was the opening event for the debut of the Motor City Music Conference (MC2) 

DMAF awards are similar to the Grammy Awards presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Award winners are determined by local musicians and music industry professionals in southeast Michigan, and presented in eleven music genres; Americana, Blues, Classical, Country, Electronic/Dance, Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Rap, Rock, and World. The Detroit Music Awards is the only local music awards in the nation to be presented by a not-for-profit organization. Voting is accomplished entirely via the internet. 

Previous DMAF events have featured electrifying performances and guest appearances by some of Detroit's most glittering music legends: Was (Not Was), Eminem with D12, The Clark Sisters, Kid Rock, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson, Bob Seger, Glenn Frey, The Miracles, Grand Funk Railroad, George Clinton and Parliament, and Ted Nugent, among many others. The annual award show also spotlights outstanding emerging local musicians. 

Proceeds from emerging artist showcases throughout the year and the award show are used to present educational events and provide resources to local musicians. Through a partnership with ArtServe Michigan, health insurance is now also available to members. 

The DMAF was proud to receive the Spirit of Detroit Award from the city of Detroit in 1993 and again on our 25th anniversary in 2016.