Basadi in Music Awards 2023: All the winners

Inkabi Records’ Lwah Ndlunkulu, who was this year’s top contender with four nominations, won two awards in the Artist of the Year and Song of the Year categories. Kelly Khumalo took home the Afro Pop Artist of the Year Award while Khanyisa Jaceni emerged tops in the Sofnfree Amapiano Artist of the Year category.

Qwabe Twins, Noluthando Ngema, Ntokozo Mbambo and Nadia Nakai won the Duo/Collaboration of the Year, Nando's Emerging Artist of the Year, Gospel Artist of the Year and Hip Hop Artist of the Year awards, respectively.

Berita (Zimbabwe), Maleh (Lesotho), Mpho Sebina (Botswana) and S3fa (Ghana) were announced as the recipients of the Mosadi in Music in Africa Award, an honorary recognition that was made possible through a partnership between the BIMAs and the Music In Africa Foundation. Nhlanhla Mafu, Thando Thabethe and Boity received the CEO Mosadi in Business Achievement Award trophies for their leadership, innovation and resilience in their respective ventures.

Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Letta Mbulu (South Africa) and PJ Powers (South Africa) were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions and outstanding artistic significance in the music industry.

“The second Basadi in Music Awards was an incredible success echoing women’s profound impact in the music and entertainment industry,” BIMAs CEO Hloni Modise-Matau said. “Thanks to our gracious guests who added elegance, sponsors who empowered and recognised women in music, Unathi Nkayi’s guiding presence, prestigious guest presenters, and mesmerising performers, we celebrated unity and talent. This event showcased industry creativity and strength while acknowledging the often-unnoticed dedication of women behind the scenes. To my team, your dedication, hard work, and attention to detail made this possible. Special thanks to our host venue, Joburg Theatre, and heartfelt congratulations to award recipients.”

Hosted by local singer Unathi Nkayi, the ceremony also featured performances from Andile, Khanyo, Winnie Khumalo, Tamara Dey, Maleh, Mpho Sebina, Vicky Sampson and Msaki. 

Below is the full list of winners:

Afro Pop Artist of the Year

• Kelly Khumalo – ‘Akathintwa’
• Brenda Mtambo – ‘Enzakwenzeke’
• Lioness Mohoje – ‘Dipotso’ 
• Lwah Ndlunkulu – ‘Ngiyeza’
• Nomfundo Moh – ‘Izibusiso’

Sofnfree Amapiano Artist of the Year

• Khanyisa Jaceni ft. Sir Trill, Marcus Mc, Tycoon & Ben Da Prince – ‘Gyjima’
• Boohle ft. Murumba Pitch & Gaba Cannal – ‘Undenza Ntoni’
• Kamo Mphela ft. Various Artists – ‘Hannah Montana’
• Nkosazana Daughter ft. Murumba Pitch, Master Kg & Lowsheen – ‘Ring Ring Ring’
• Pabi Cooper ft. Mello & Sleazy – ‘Waga Bietjie’

Artist of the Year

• Lwah Ndlunkulu
• Lizwi
• Makhadzi
• Skye Wanda
• Uncle Waffles

Dance Artist of the Year

• Nuzu Deep – ‘Come Find Me’
• Maline Aura ft. Karyendasoul – ‘Ifu’
• Manana Highness – ‘Ngifuna Wena’
• Simmy ft. Msaki – ‘Hlelo’
• Skye Wanda – ‘Amazwi’

DJ of the Year

• Lady Amar
• Lamiez Holworthy
• Ms Cosmo
• Pru Luv
• Uncle Waffles

Duo/Collaboration of the Year

• Qwabe Twins – ‘Sobonana’
• Bontle Smith, Nia Pearl and Nicol Elocin – ‘My Love’
• Group Chat – ‘Mama’
• Ney the Bae and Nadia Nakai – ‘Thick Slim’
• Txc And Khanyisa – ‘Vuka Mawulele’

Nando's Emerging Artist of the Year

• Noluthando Ngema
• Black Villain
• Buzzi Lee
• Gemma Fassie
• Qaqamba Ntshinka

Entertainment Journalist of the Year

• Masego Seemela – Sowetan Smag
• Amanda Matshaka – Sa Positive News
• Andiswa Ngenyane – Daily Sun
• Nokubongwa Phenyane – Isolezwe
• Nokuthula Zwane – News24

Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year

• Khutso Theledi – The Break Away (Metro FM)
• Lerato Kganyago – Midday Link Up (Metro FM)
• Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho – Monate Breakfast Show (Thobela FM)
• Mittah Ledimo – The Kickstart on The Bloem Rise Breakfast Show (Radio Bloem)
• Thando Thabethe – 947 Drive With (Thando 947)

Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year

• Phila Tyekana – The Touchdown (Metro FM)
• Ayanda Melansi – Jabul' Ujule (Ukhozi FM)
• Kgoshigadi Rangata – Power Experience (Power FM)
• Masego Tlhakanye – 5 Weekend Breakfast (5FM)
• Pru Luv – Midday Link Up (Metro FM)

Entertainment TV Producer of the Year

• Philisa Bidi – Massive Music (Channel O)
• Layinah Petersen – Espresso Show (S3)
• Mathawe Matsapola – The Morning Show (eTV)
• Mbali Gamede – Lifestyle 101 (Soweto TV)
• Thapelo Mowela – Morning Live (SABC 2)

Gospel Artist of the Year

• Ntokozo Mbambo – ‘Ngcwele Nkosi’
• Athandie Mvusi – ‘Thixo Akunangqaleko’
• Bucy Radebe – ‘Vuka Jona’
• Hle – ‘Take Heart’
• Mmatema – ‘My Time Is Now’

Hip Hop Artist of the Year

• Nadia Nakai ft. Lucasraps – ‘Not The Same’
• Faith K – ‘Ongen'koti’
• Fifi Cooper ft. Lwah Ndlunkulu – ‘Ngeke’
• Ney The Bae – ‘Hi Everybody’
• Rouge – ‘Turn It Up’

Jazz Artist of the Year

• Thesis ZA – ‘Chosi’
• Gloria Bosman – ‘Bonga Njalo’
• Katalia – ‘Bophelo’
• Thandi Ntuli – ‘Inkululeko’

Music TV Presenter of the Year

• Ntombee Mzolo – Yash' Ingoma’
• Pamela Mtanga – Massive Music
• Senelisiwe Mbongwa – ‘Soweto TV Gospel Xplosion

Music Video of the Year

• Ney The Bae ft. Given Zulu – ‘Ingwe’
• Jamie Lee-Sexton – ‘Run Run Run’
• Kamo Mphela ft. Various Artists – ‘Ghost’
• Lwah Ndlunkulu – ‘Ngiyeza’
• Pabi Cooper ft. Mello & Sleazy – ‘Waga Bietjie’

Newcomer of the Year

• Group Chat – ‘Mama’
• Dimahr – ‘Uptown Girls’
• Dimakatso Lee – ‘Holokile’
• Eves Manxeba ft. May Jack – ‘Ukukhanya’
• Kele M – ‘Awake’

Pop Artist of the Year

• Holly Rey – ‘Stripped’
• Herrah – ‘7PM’
• Jamie-Lee Sexton – ‘Run Run Run’
• Rah Punzl – ‘Don’t Stop’
• Tamara Dey – Disco Therapy

Reggae Artist of the Year

• Empres Lilly – ‘One Day’
• Delta The Leo – Pum Pum’
• Dimahr – ‘Uptown Girls’
• Reign Afrika – ‘Bazali Bam’
• Zama Sunshine – ‘Tell Me’ 

Social Media Influencer of the Year

• Tshidi Kekana Manganye
• Mandz Not Hot
• Nelisiwe Sibiya
• Pamela Mtanga
• Thato Immaculate

Song of the Year

• ‘Ithuba’ – Lwah Ndlunkulu ft. Siya Ntuli
• ‘Undeza Ntoni’ – Boohle ft. Murumba Pitch and Gabba Canal
• ‘Hamba Juba’ – Lady Amar, JL SS, Cici and Murumba Pitch
• ‘Waga Bietjie’ – Pabi Cooper ft. Mello & Sleazy
• ‘Yahyuppiyah’ – Uncle Waffles,Tony Duardo, Justin99 ft. Pcee, Eeque and Chley

SAMRO Songwriter of the Year

• Msaki
• Gloria Bosman
• Jamie Lee Sexton
• Lioness Mohoje
• Phumla Music

Stylist of the Year

• Odirile
• Boogy Maboi 
• Lindo Mnguni
• Lindu Stylist
• Nhlanhla Mafu

Traditional Artist of the Year

• Dr Sophy – ‘Vamaseve wa Mina’
• Candy Tsamandebele ft. Henny C – ‘Rato Laka’
• Dr Buselaphi ft. Camagwini & Shota – ‘Uma Khanda Khanda’
• MmaAusi – ‘Chiba le Kgomo’
• Pleasure Tsa Manyalo – ‘Mahlako Roko Ya Mosadi’

Non-voting category recipients

CEO Mosadi In Business Achievement Award Recipients

• Nhlanhla Mafu for NN Vintage
• Thando Thabethe for Thabooty’s Underwear and Shapewear
• Boity for Be You By Boity and BT Signature

Mosadi In Music In Africa Award Recipients

• Berita (Zimbabwe)
• Maleh (Lesotho)
• Mpho Sebina (Botswana)
• Sefa (Ghana)

Lifetime Achievement Awards

• Angélique Kidjo
• Letta Mbulu
• PJ Powers