The first annual Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) proved to be a sensational affair in honour of the contribution of women in the music industry. Held on 15 October 2022 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, the BIMAs featured exhilarating performances and moving acceptance speeches.


Broadcasters and DJs Lamiez Holworthy and Lerato Kganyago proved to be the night’s biggest winners scooping two award a piece. Holworthy walked away with the DJ of the Year and Music TV Presenter of the Year accolades while Kganyago received the Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year and was presented the Mosadi in Business Achievement Award alongside DJ Zinhle and Dineo Ranaka.

The evening was anchored by vivacious duo Anele “Ney the Bae” Zondo and Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena who kept the audiences engaged and on their toes with just the right amount of sass. They also introduced performers like Makhadzi who delivered an electrifying performance and was named Artist of the Year. Other performers included Gospel Artist of the Year nominee Mmatema, Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Year nominee Nadia Nakai, Relo of Skwatta Kamp fame and KB Motsilanyane.
Other notable winners include Boohle who won Sampra Amapiano Artist of the Year, Phumla Music who won Kaya959 Afropop Artist of the year, Lizwi who scooped the Sofnfree Dance Artist of the Year and Zodwa Mabena who triumphed in the AC Wines Jazz Artist of the Year. The SAMRO Songwriter of the Year was presented to Skye Wanda while Amanda Maliba took home Entertainment Journalist of the Year and Prudence Mathebula won the Radio Producer of the Year gong.

Mam’ Abigail Kubeka and Mam’ Yvonne Chaka Chaka were presented Lifetime Achievement awards in honour of their contribution to genres and the music industry overall. These icons were celebrated for remarkably breaking through ceilings and leaving an impactful legacy.

SAMPRA Chief Marketing Officer Tiyani Maluleke said: “What an incredible night of glitz, glamour and music. Congratulations to all the winners of the night! You are all deserving of the honours and spotlight. Keep on keeping on. We are incredibly proud to have been a sponsor of the inaugural Basadi in Music Awards. We are even more proud of all performers who took to the stage to perform to showcase South African talent. What a night to remember. Congratulations to the Basadi in Music Awards team.”

Roelf Marais Audi Centre Sandton dealer principle said “Congratulations to every individual who has won an award last night! It was an absolutely phenomenal night of celebrating and recognising women who are pioneers within their respective industries. We are so proud to have been part of the sponsors of the 1st Annual Basadi In Music Awards, and thank the organisers for such an incredible experience.”

“An awards ceremony such as this, truly reflects the progress we are making in the emancipation of women and celebrating those who make a difference. As a department, we will continue to encourage and drive greater representation of women in all sectors that aid the economic growth of the city. Women are indeed the backbone of society and need to be given equal opportunities. We look forward to partnering with organisations that celebrate women and further boosts the local economy,” said newly elected MMC for Economic Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Nomoya Mnisi.
BIMA CEO Hloni Modise-Matau: “The first iteration of the Basadi in Music Awards was incredible to behold. It was a phenomenal evening of women celebrating the contribution that has been made by other women. We are proud of our hosts MOOZLIE and Anele “Ney the Bae” Zondo who were fantastic on stage equally, Tshiamo and Mandz who were on red carpet and backstage duty respectively sizzled. We are also honoured to have presented awards to all our recipients last night and of course we are so grateful to the performers and guest presenters who brought magic to the inaugural BIMA stage. It was truly an extraordinary experience, and we are looking forward to start planning the second instalment of Basadi In Music Awards. #BIMA2023.”