Basadi in Music Awards 2023: An African royalty affair

The BIMAs are the only awards in South Africa exclusively dedicated to celebrating and honouring women in music and entertainment. From singers to songwriters and stylists to producers, this music and entertainment awards ceremony recognises the exceptional talent and contributions of women across the African continent. Founded in 2022, the all-encompassing awards honour varied talent such as singers, rappers, DJs, composers, producers and creatives in the music ecosystem. The spirit of the awards is to uplift, celebrate and showcase what women can achieve when given a platform to shine. The nominees and winners are voted for by the public.

The awards ceremony opened with a medley performance by Andile Gaelesiwe, Khanyo Maphumulo, Tshedi Mholo, Winnie Khumalo and Tamara Dey that evoked a warm nostalgia in the audience, as attendees sang along to the early 2000s hit ‘Destiny’ by Malaika. The luminous stage and the infectious energy that accompanied it kept the audience excitedly on their feet. Also enhancing the performances on stage was a women-only band that held the showcases tightly together.

The night featured exceptional musical performances by Lwah Ndlunkulu, Yanga Sobetwa, Maleh, Mpho Sebina, Dr Buselaphi, Vicky Sampson and Msaki. Msaki won the SAMRO Songwriter of the Year Award, to which she responded: “I feel very seen and I feel very held in this moment. Ndiyabulela! [Thank you]”

The ever-growing talent that hails from across our beloved continent is an inspiring sight to behold, with the Music In Africa Foundation-powered Mosadi in Music In Africa Award awarded to Berita (Zimbabwe), Maleh (Lesotho), Mpho Sebina (Botswana) and Sefa (Ghana).

Media personality Unathi Nkayi was the gracious host of the ceremony. She kept the audience captivated with her charming sense of humour.

Halfway through the show while co-presenting an award, BIMAs CEO Hloni Modise-Matau went on to vulnerably share her experience with mental health, reflecting on how she was admitted to a psychiatric facility but fought through to ensure that the awards could go on. This moment seemed to echo the heartfelt journeys of all the women who have endured challenges in the music and entertainment industries, but who have still managed to succeed and leave a lasting impact.

Metro FM’s Khutso Theledi took home the Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year Award and shared in her emotional speech, alongside her mother, that this was her very first award after working in radio for more than a decade.

The ceremony itself was a true showcase of creativity, strength and talent as it acknowledged dedicated women working in the spotlight and behind the curtain. The 2023 BIMAs were a true commemoration of Women’s Month, celebrating current women icons as well as those who paved the way for future generations of women in music and entertainment. With 24 categories honouring women in their specific crafts, the nominees and honourees were given a stellar platform to shine and celebrate each other.

Catch a rebroadcast of the second annual Basadi in Music Awards on SABC 2 on 27 August at 8.30pm SAST.