Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) is proud to officially announce  the nominees for the 2026 edition of the prestigious awards ceremony, with Zee Nxumalo leading the pack with six nominations, followed closely by MaWhoo with five nominations. The nominations recognise the remarkable achievements of women across the music and entertainment industries and celebrate those who continue to shape Africa’s creative landscape.

Since its inception, BIMA has remained committed to honouring the incredible talent, resilience, innovation and leadership of women who continue to break barriers and redefine excellence throughout Africa’s creative economy.  This year’s nominees represent a powerful mix of established icons, emerging stars, behind-the-scenes industry professionals, broadcasters, content creators, producers, stylists, choreographers, journalists and artists whose contributions have significantly impacted the industry during the eligibility period.

The 2026 nominations reflect the diversity and strength of African women in entertainment, with nominees representing South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, eSwatini, Lesotho and beyond.

Speaking on the announcement, BIMA CEO Hloni Modise Matau said:  “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, of Maphike Attorneys Inc. said: “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)

The public, industry stakeholders and music fans are encouraged to celebrate and support the nominees as they prepare for the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

HOW TO VOTE

The power is now in the hands of the fans.

Support your favourite 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 participate and help crown this year’s winners by voting for their favourite nominees.