With just two days remaining before voting closes, the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) has reached a historic milestone, recording more than 150,000 public votes for its 2026 edition – the largest public voting campaign since the awards were launched.
The achievement comes as the awards celebrate their fifth anniversary, marking another significant chapter for the platform, which has grown from recognising women in South African music into a Pan-African celebration of female excellence across the entertainment industry.
This year’s nominees represent a diverse range of talent from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Eswatini, Lesotho and several other African countries, highlighting the awards’ expanding continental footprint.
Basadi in Music Awards founder and CEO Hloni Modise Matau described the milestone as proof that the public continues to believe in the vision behind the awards.
“Reaching more than 150,000 public votes is an incredible milestone for the Basadi in Music Awards and a testament to the growing belief in our vision. What began as a platform to celebrate women in South African music has evolved into a Pan-African movement that honours the extraordinary women shaping the soundtrack of our continent,” she said.
Matau encouraged fans to make the final days of voting count.
“Every vote is a powerful statement of recognition, appreciation and support for these remarkable women. As we celebrate five years of the Basadi in Music Awards, we invite everyone to make these final days count by voting for the nominees who have inspired them through their talent, creativity and excellence. Together, we are not only crowning winners, we are writing another chapter in African music history.”
Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema said the overwhelming public response reflects the growing support for recognising women in music.
“Joburg City Theatres is proud to once again partner with the Basadi in Music Awards as the home of this remarkable celebration of African women in music. Surpassing 150,000 public votes demonstrates the passion and commitment audiences have for recognising female excellence,” she said.
She added that the theatre is honoured to welcome artists, creatives and supporters from across the continent as the awards celebrate five years of empowering women in music.
Managing Director of Maphike Inc. and Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board member Manaileng Maphike said the record-breaking number of votes demonstrates the trust audiences have placed in the awards.
“The remarkable milestone of more than 150,000 public votes demonstrates the trust and enthusiasm that audiences have for the Basadi in Music Awards. As Maphike Inc., we are proud to serve as the legal partner of an initiative that champions fairness, excellence and the recognition of women across the music value chain,” he said.
SABC 2 Marketing Manager for Video Entertainment, Dichaba Phalatse, also urged audiences to cast their votes before the deadline.
“The Basadi in Music Awards gives South Africans and audiences across the continent the power to recognise and celebrate the women whose talent, creativity and influence continue to inspire us. As voting enters its final days, we encourage everyone to make their voice count.”
Voting closes on Saturday, 18 July at 11:59pm. South Africans, as well as residents of Eswatini and Lesotho, can vote via SMS by sending the category and nominee’s name to 33329 at a cost of R1.50 per SMS. International supporters can vote online through the Basadi in Music Awards website by purchasing a minimum 10-vote bundle.
