The Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) has officially unveiled the nominees for its 2026 edition, highlighting Zee Nxumalo at the forefront with six nominations, while MaWhoo follows with five. This event showcases the significant accomplishments of women in the music and entertainment sectors, celebrating those who are influential in Africa’s cultural scene.
Since its launch, BIMA has focused on recognizing the exceptional talents, determination, innovation, and leadership of women who are actively reshaping the landscape of Africa’s creative economy. The nominees for this year represent a diverse array of established figures and up-and-coming talents, along with industry professionals such as broadcasters, content creators, producers, stylists, choreographers, journalists, and artists, all of whom have made a considerable impact during the eligibility period.
The nominations for 2026 underscore the richness and power of African women in entertainment, featuring nominees from South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, eSwatini, Lesotho, and other regions.
BIMA CEO Hloni Modise Matau commented on the announcement: “Every year, Basadi in Music Awards shines a spotlight on the extraordinary women who continue to shape, influence and elevate the music and entertainment industry across Africa. The 2026 nominees embody excellence, creativity, resilience and innovation. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and provide a platform that recognises the invaluable contributions women make both on stage and behind the scenes. Congratulations to all the nominees, we look forward to honouring them at this year’s awards.”
Advisory Board Member Ms. Manaileng Maphike from Maphike Attorneys Inc. remarked: “The inclusion of Pan-African nominees in this year’s Basadi in Music Awards is a significant milestone that reflects the growing influence of African women in music. The diversity, talent and excellence represented across the nominee list this year is truly inspiring. We are excited to celebrate these phenomenal women and look forward to what promises to be an unforgettable 2026 Awards ceremony.
OFFICIAL NOMINEES:
VANGUARD CATEGORIES
ARTIST MANAGER OF THE YEAR
- Daisy Thato Selebogo (Botswana)
- Mela Mtimande
- Sannah Thwala
- Shiran Weltsman
- Thuli Kweupile
- Vanessa Mazabane
ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
- Ivie Ani (OkayAfrica / Vanity Fair / Vibe) (Nigeria)
- Joy Mphande (TimesLive)
- Lopang Mokae (Newzroom Afrika)
- Oluthando Keteyi (IOL Entertainment)
- Phumi Ramalepe (News24)
ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
- Boipelo Mooketsi (5FM – 5 After Hours)
- Bolele Polisa (947 – The Frequency )
- Lebo Maoela (Lesedi FM – Rea Thella Afternoon Drive Show)
- Lebo Ndiya (Motsweding FM -Megagamola)
- Lerato Kganyago (Metro FM – Midday Link-Up)
ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- Letty Nyathela Chili (Ikwekwezi FM – Emthonjeni)
- Masego (5FM – 5 Drive )
- Nthabiseng Mamabolo (Radio 2000 -Better together)
- Phila Tyekana (Kaya 959 – Drive 959)
ENTERTAINMENT TV PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- Dibuseng Meloe (The Morning Show)
- Minnie Dlamini (Club Bangers – Channel O)
- Thapelo Mowela (Morning Live)
HAIRSTYLIST OF THE YEAR
- Irene de Fonseca
- Jessica Neyasi Chiau (Mozambique)
- Ntombomzi Lekgoro
- Smangele Sibisi
MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Bokamoso Dikobe
- Carol Nleya (Zimbabwe)
- Nono Linchwe
- Renee De Wit
- Zamo Dlamini (eSwatini)
PODCAST PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
- Anyiko Owoko (VIP Access) (Kenya)
- Khanyi Mars (Yano Lyrics)
- Londi London (Read The Room)
- Relebogile Mabotja (Relebogile Mabotja Podcast)
- Yanda Woods (Spreading Humours)
STYLIST OF THE YEAR
- Khanyisile Mdletshe
- Mamello Makha
- Siyamthanda Ndube
- Thato Ndzimande
TV SHOW PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
- Candice Modiselle Sello (One Gospel Easter Music Special)
- Kuhle Adams (Expresso)
- Nomalanga Shozi (Playlist @ Moloko)
- Penny Lebyane (Enklek Let’s Connect)
MUSIC CATEGORIES
AFRO POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Aya Msani – Sondela
- Kelly Khumalo – Nyamezela
- Maleh – Khotso Le Lesedi (Lesotho)
- Nonny Muji – Lo Bhuti
- Pretty Masompisi – eKhaya
- Phumla Music – Brand New
AMAPIANO ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- DBN Gogo
- Kamo Mphela
- MaWhoo
- Nkosazana Daughter
- Nobuhle
- Thatohatsi
- Zee Nxumalo
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Kharishma
- MaWhoo
- Mmatema
- Nkosazana Daughter
- Shandesh
- Tyla
- Zee Nxumalo
BEST FEMALE FEATURE OF THE YEAR
- De Rose – Lutho
- Kabza De Small featuring Nontokozo Mkhize & Mthunzi – Siyabonga
- Kabza De Small, MDU aka TRP featuring Zawadi Yamungu – Lawuleka
- Kelvin Momo featuring Zee_nhle, Mashudu & Mano – Spani Sam
- MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay, Jazzworx & Thukuthela featuring Tracy & Thatohatsi – Tholukuthi (Bengicela)
- Sam Deep, Nia Pearl & Boohle featuring Mano – Shela
BEST STYLED ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- DJ Lamiez
- DJ Zinhle
- Nia Pearl
- Thabsie SA
- Uncle Waffles (eSwatini)
- Zawadi Yamungu
- Zee Nxumalo
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
- Cici & Naledi Aphiwe – Amen
- DJ Zinhle & Thabsie SA – Kusazokhanya
- Erin Elliot & Sophia Frank – Birthday Cake
- Lwah Ndlukulu & Starr Healer – Allowance
- MaWhoo & Zee Nxumalo – Sesamukela
- Mamakie Motlogelwa & Mmaausi – Chuku
DANCE MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Babes Wodumo
- DJ Zinhle & Liema Pantsi
- Kharishma
- Shandesh
- Uncle Waffles (eSwatini)
DJ OF THE YEAR
- DBN Gogo
- DJ Lesa
- Kasi Duchaz
- Kele Megano
- LKG
- Uncle Waffles (eSwatini)
GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Ada Ehi – Maberumo (Nigeria)
- Futhi Mhlongo – Phat Igama LikaJesu
- HLE – Blessed
- Mmatema – Oa Ntwanela
- Musa Yende – Kubo Bonke
- Nothando Hlophe – Methodist Medley
HIP HOP ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Bomb$hell Grenade ft. Yo Maps – Weka (Zambia)
- K.Keed – Dilemma
- Mega Snowflake – Biggest
- Nadia Nakai – REALLY
- Ney The Bae – Whole City
- Rouge ft. Moozlie & Nadia Nakai – Juicy
- XXC Legacy ft. Emtee – Legacy
JAZZ ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Busigold – Mvelinqangi
- Judith Sephuma – Makeba
- Kearoma Rantao – Keledi Marameng (Botswana)
- Melorie Jane – Now Open Your Eyes
- Nokuthula Fundama – Wothini Na
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- Ayra Starr – Hot Body (Nigeria)
- Cici & Naledi Aphiwe – Amen
- Kamo Mphela – Partii
- Kharishma – Wa Inama
- Nkosazana Daughter – Emsakazweni
- Pretty Masompisi – Ngi’Happy
- Tyla – Chanel
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
- Busigold – Mvelinqangi
- De Rose – Kwa Gogo
- Mafuthi Madondo – Vumani
- Sakhile – U’lo
- Siphiwe Black – Edolobeni
POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Anica Kiana – Not The Same
- Ava Like Lava – Tokyo Thrift
- Erin Elliot – She Said
- Shekhinah – What Are We?
- Sophia Frank – Overrated
REGGAE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Cathy Matete – We Won’t Be Silent (Kenya)
- Cindy Sanye – Nayise Naye (Uganda)
- Dimahr – Ancient Waters
- Empress Deevyne – You’re Worthy
- Undefynd Musiq – Beacon
SAMRO SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Buhlebendalo – Zulu
- Cici and Naledi Aphiwe – Amen
- Maleh – Dithapelo (Lesotho)
- Nonny Muji – Lo Bhuti
- Thando Zide – Emandulo
- Zawadi Yamungu – Woza Wemvula
SONG OF THE YEAR
- Ayra Starr – Hot Body (Nigeria)
- Kamo Mphela – Partii
- Kharishma – Wa Inama
- MaWhoo – Bengicela
- Nothando Hlophe – Methodist Medley
- Tyla – Chanel
- Zee Nxumalo – Mamma
TRADITIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Buhlebendalo – Zulu
- Dr Nothembi – Isinya Lekosini
- Mamakie Motlogelwa & Mmaausi – Chuku
- Miss Hilary – A ni tleli
- Thope Tse Khang – Li Peke (Lesotho)
Members of the public, industry figures, and music enthusiasts are invited to recognize and support the nominees as they gear up for the highly awaited awards event.
HOW TO VOTE
The power is now in the hands of the fans.
Support your favorite nominees in the Basadi in Music Awards 2026 by voting through the following platforms:
SMS Voting (South Africa, Eswatini & Lesotho)
SMS:
Category + Name of Nominee to 33329
Cost: R1.50 per SMS
Unlimited entries allowed.
Free SMSes do not apply.
Online Voting (Global)
Visit: www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za
Cost: R1.50 per vote
Minimum bundle purchase of 10 votes.
Voting closes on 18 July 2026 at 23:59 SAST
Terms and Conditions Apply.
Fans across Africa and around the world are encouraged to join in and aid in selecting this year’s winners by voting for their top nominees.
