The Basadi in Music Awards has kicked off its fifth annual edition by celebrating women working across South Africa and Africa’s entertainment industry, with the first night of the two-day ceremony taking place at the Joburg Theatre on Friday.
Night One recognised women across the entertainment ecosystem, including artist management, journalism, radio, television, beauty, fashion and podcasting.
The 2026 edition is being held under the anniversary theme “REWIND Your BIMA, Your Way”, reflecting on five years of recognising women who have made an impact in the creative industries while looking towards the future of Africa’s entertainment landscape.
A key focus of this year’s awards is the growing Pan-African footprint of the Basadi in Music Awards, with women from across the continent being recognised alongside their South African counterparts.
“Africa has never lacked talent. What we have needed are more platforms that allow us to see that talent, connect it and celebrate it collectively,” said Hloni Modise- Motau, founder and CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards.
“Our fifth anniversary is an important moment because we are looking at where Basadi has come from, but also where we are going.”
Manaileng Maphike, managing director of Maphike Inc. and a member of the Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board, said the awards were important in creating visibility for women working across the entertainment value chain.
“There is power in being seen. These women have built careers, created opportunities and contributed to an industry that continues to evolve,” said Maphike.
“What makes this moment particularly significant is that we are beginning to see African excellence through a continental lens. We are no longer asking whether women from different countries belong in the same conversation. We know that they do.”
The first night saw Sannah Thwala named Artist Manager of the Year, while Nigeria’s Ivie Ani took home the Entertainment Journalist of the Year award.
Boipelo Mooketsi won Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year, with Letty Nyathela Chili recognised as Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year.
In the beauty and fashion categories, Smangele Sibisi won Hairstylist of the Year, while Zamo Dlamini was named Makeup Artist of the Year and Khanyisile Mdletshe took home Stylist of the Year.
Television also featured prominently, with Candice Modiselle winning TV Show Presenter of the Year and Minnie Dlamini named Entertainment TV Producer of the Year.
Khanyi Mars was recognised as Podcast Presenter of the Year.
The Basadi in Music Awards were established in 2022 and have grown into a platform focused on recognising, celebrating and empowering women across the music and entertainment industries.
The fifth anniversary edition continues on Saturday, 8 August, at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg.
AND THE NIGHT ONE WINNERS ARE…
ARTIST MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Sannah Thwala
ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Ivie Ani Nigeria
ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
Boipelo Mooketsi
ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Letty Nyathela Chili
HAIRSTYLIST OF THE YEAR
Smangele Sibisi
MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Zamo Dlamini
TV SHOW PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
Candice Modiselle
STYLIST OF THE YEAR
Khanyisile Mdletshe
ENTERTAINMENT TV PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Minnie Dlamini
PODCAST PRESENTER OF THE YEAR
Khanyi Mars
