Basadi in Music Awards opens 2026 nominations, expands across Africa in landmark fifth year.

Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) officially announces that nominations for the 2026 edition are now open, marking a major milestone as the awards celebrate five years of honouring women across the music and entertainment industry.

Nominations are now open and will close on 30 May 2026 at 23:59 CAT.

Now in its fifth year, Basadi in Music Awards continues to stand as a powerful platform celebrating excellence, impact and influence of women across the music ecosystem. From artists and DJs to radio producers, television presenters, journalists, and artist managers, BIMA recognises the women shaping Africa’s cultural and creative landscape.

“Opening nominations each year is a defining moment for us. It signals not only the start of awards season, but the continued growth of a movement that uplifts and recognises women across every corner of the music industry,” said Hloni Modise Matau, CEO and Founder of Basadi in Music Awards.

“As we expand across Africa and invite global participation, we are building a platform that is inclusive, representative and forward looking.” In a landmark development, the 2026 edition expands beyond South Africa, officially opening nominations to women across the African continent. In addition, fans from around the world are invited to participate in the nomination process, reinforcing BIMA’s position as an inclusive and globally accessible platform.

“As we mark five years of Basadi in Music Awards, we are proud to witness its evolution from a national initiative into a powerful continental movement. The opening of nominations for 2026 is not only the beginning of a new awards cycle, but a continued commitment to recognising and celebrating the women shaping Africa’s music industry and its global influence.

As the Theatre we are able to extend this impact even further using our world-class platform, audiences and reach to amplify these stories beyond borders. The theatre serves as a cultural gateway, connecting African talent to international audiences and positioning Basadi in Music Awards as a globally relevant celebration of excellence. This year’s expansion across the continent is a deliberate step toward greater inclusion and representation. We are creating a space where every woman in music can be seen, heard, and honoured, while ensuring their voices resonate on a global stage.” Said CEO of Joburg City Theatres Xoliswa Nduneni- Ngema At its core, the awards remain rooted in community participation. Built on the principle of “for the people, by the people,” BIMA empowers the public to recognise and elevate women who are shaping the industry.

“Africa’s story is told through its people and the women in this industry are among its most powerful narrators,” said Leroy Lyon Monaheng CEO of Black Mobile.

“For the second consecutive year, Black Mobile is proud to support Basadi in Music Awards. By powering the SMS platform across borders, we are expanding access and enabling broader participation across the continent.”

Following its successful introduction, the two-night awards format returns for 2026:

Night One: Vanguard Circle Awards

This evening honours the architects behind the scenes – those driving innovation and excellence within the industry. Categories include Radio Producer of the Year, Artist Manager of the Year, Stylist of the Year, Make-Up Artist of the Year and Journalist of the Year.

Night Two: Music Awards Night

The flagship celebration recognises mainstream and fan driven categories such as Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, DJ of the Year and Amapiano Artist of the Year.

More than an awards ceremony, Basadi in Music Awards represents a cultural movement one that creates opportunities, drives visibility, and champions the advancement of women in music across Africa and beyond.

“As legal representatives and partners of Basadi in Music Awards, we are proud to support a platform that is not only celebrating excellence but actively reshaping the landscape for women in the entertainment industry. The expansion of BIMA across Africa reflects a necessary and timely shift toward greater inclusion, protection, and recognition of women’s intellectual property, creative rights and economic participation. At Maphike Attorneys Inc, we remain committed to safeguarding the interests of women in entertainment while enabling platforms such as BIMA to grow with integrity, transparency and lasting impact across the continent.” Said Managing Director of Maphike Attorneys Inc Manaileng Maphike How to Nominate SMS Platform (South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho only) For music categories: SMS the category code and artist name to 33329

Example: SOTY Brenda Fassie Vulindlela → 33329 For non-music categories: SMS the category code, nominee name, and associated platform Each SMS costs R1.50 One SMS equals one nomination No limit on the number of nominations Free SMSes do not apply Online Platform (Rest of Africa and Globally)

Visit: www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za

Each nomination costs R1.50

Minimum bundle of 10 nominations applies Eligible works and nominees must fall within the qualifying period of 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Terms and conditions apply.

Media Enquiries
For more information, please contact:
E-mail: abo@basadiinmusicawards.co.za

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Instagram: @basadiinmusicawards_sa
Facebook: @basadiinmusicawards
Website: www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za

Bongani Maseko
bongani@joburgtheatre.com
083 275 1230
Joburg Theatre
http://www.joburgtheatre.com