NEFCISA
NEFCISA

The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) is proud of its partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as a Strategic Implementing Partner (SIP) for its Social Employment Fund (SEF). Through this collaboration, MIAF is running a national programme that is creating jobs, addressing skills gaps, and strengthening South Africa's creative industries — in line with the SEF's overarching goal to generate work for the common good and build community value through employment, social contribution, and inclusive economic participation. Operating under the banner NEFCISA (National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa), the initiative is recruiting and training participants, matching them with host organisations, and has already placed 1 500 workers across the country — surpassing its original target of 1 000. NEFCISA is delivered through a network of 20 host organisations spanning five provinces, who are actively hosting participants and contributing to work for the common good across South Africa's creative and cultural industries. Key Objectives: Support employment and entrepreneurship in the creative industries. Offer skills development and training programmes. Foster partnerships between public and private creative sectors. Promote South African creativity at both provincial and national levels Foster community development through social contribution.

ACCES
ACCES

ACCES Conference and Showcase Festival is Africa's leading music industry gathering, bringing together the people shaping the future of the continent's music business. Artists, entrepreneurs, executives, investors, policymakers and cultural leaders from across Africa and around the world come to ACCES to build partnerships, exchange ideas, discover talent and create new business opportunities. Since its launch in 2017, ACCES has become the continent's premier platform for professional exchange and music market development. Combining a high-level conference with a curated showcase festival, networking, exhibitions and industry programmes, ACCES offers a unique space where creativity meets business and where African music connects with the global industry.

Gender@Work
Gender@Work

Music In Africa Gender @ Work is a three-year training programme aimed at upskilling and increasing the participation of female professionals in the African music sector. Launched by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in April 2019, the programme is connected to the MIAF’s ACCES music conference – a pan-African event held in a different African country every year. This connection enables the programme to reach new participants in a different African country every year. The programme marks the beginning of a more concerted effort by the Foundation to support the participation and inclusion of women in all facets of its programmes and the music sector in Africa as a whole. Over the three years, the programme will aim to address gender imbalances in the sector through training, lobbying, facilitating knowledge exchange and dialogues that foster the interest of women. The broader objectives of the programme are to: Provide industry training for women on critical music industry skills, focusing on: Stage management Electronic music production and recording Music business management Technical knowledge Provide an opportunity for both professional and aspiring women to benefit from the Music In Africa network and its broad range of activities in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Provide a solution-based platform in the form of a round table at ACCES with a view to identify challenges, discuss opportunities and lobby for the interests of female practitioners. Offer participants the opportunity to benefit from programmes offered by MIAF’s partners. Increase access to educational materials. Integrate participants in the broader ACCES programme to maximise experience and exposure to the industry. Record and present training materials on the www.musicinafrica.net, including but not limited to tutorials, templates and other best-practice materials. Communicate women-based themes that support the initiatives and messages of the programme. MAIN TRAINING ACTIVITIES Training in first country (Ghana): In the first year, participants will be trained on all aspects of stage management by a team of experienced stage managers from 10 to 17 November 2019. The programme will offer robust classroom training as well as practical, hands-on training in which participants will also be given the opportunity to manage various aspects of the ACCES performance programme. Training in second country: The second training iteration will take place at ACCES 2020 when the programme will diversify its course to include music production lessons and training on other music business topics. A round-table platform will also be introduced to coincide with the ACCES programme. Training in third country: The third training iteration will take place at ACCES 2021 in a different country, offering an advanced course. HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED?  As a participant, facilitator or trainer: The programme enrolls up to 12 trainees every year. All opportunities are advertised publicly on this website, and will be added to this page. Please keep checking this page for new calls (below under UPDATES & CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES). As a partner Please contact Claire Metais at [email protected]. APPLY The call for applications for 2020 will be announced soon. The Music In Africa Gender @ Work programme is made possible with the support of the Prince Claus Fund, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut.

Sound Connects Fund
Sound Connects Fund

For cultural and creative practitioners and organisations operating in southern Africa, access to funding remains a major challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a massive impact on government policy, spending and the economy in general, and has seen spending on culture being moved further down the list of priorities. Further, the cultural and creative industries repeatedly cite four main areas where investment is needed for growth, which are increased visibility, mobility including access to new markets, finance and support structures.

Instrument Building And Repair Project
Instrument Building And Repair Project

Experience the Vibrations African Instruments Exhibition online in 3D

News

Basadi Music Awards 2026: All the nominees

19 Jun 2026 - 12:06

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The nominees for this year’s Basadi Music Awards were announced online on 18 June, with artists, media personalities and industry professionals from across Africa recognised in a wide range of categories.

Nigeria artist Ayra Starr is among the nominees.

In the music categories, Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, South African stars Tyla, MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter and Zee Nxumalo secured nominations for Artist of the Year, alongside Kharishma, Mmatema and Shandesh.

The Amapiano Artist of the Year category features a strong field led by DBN Gogo, Kamo Mphela, MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter and Zee Nxumalo. Other nominees include Nobuhle, Thatohatsi and Kharishma.

Competition in the Afro Pop Artist of the Year category includes Kelly Khumalo for Nyamezela, Aya Msani for Sondela, Lesotho’s Maleh for Khotso Le Lesedi, Nonny Muji, Pretty Masompisi and Phumla Music.

The Best Female Feature of the Year category recognises collaborations involving several leading female vocalists. Nominees include Nontokozo Mkhize and Mthunzi’s appearance on Kabza De Small’s Siyabonga, Zawadi Yamungu’s contribution to ‘Lawuleka’, and performances by Tracy, Thatohatsi, Nia Pearl and Boohle on various nominated tracks.

The race for Best Styled Artist of the Year includes DJ Lamiez, DJ Zinhle, Nia Pearl, Uncle Waffles, Zawadi Yamungu and Zee Nxumalo.

Several notable collaborations were shortlisted for Collaboration of the Year, including Amen by Cici and Naledi Aphiwe, ‘Kusazokhanya’ by DJ Zinhle and Thabsie SA, and ‘Sesamukela’ by MaWhoo and Zee Nxumalo.

In the Dance Music Artist of the Year category, nominees include Babes Wodumo, DJ Zinhle and Liema Pantsi, Kharishma, Shandesh and Uncle Waffles.

The DJ of the Year category features DBN Gogo, DJ Lesa, Kasi Duchaz, Kele Megano, LKG and Uncle Waffles.

Gospel Artist of the Year nominees include Nigerian singer Ada Ehi for ‘Maberumo (This Is Morning),’ alongside Futhi Mhlongo, HLE, Mmatema and Musa Yende.

Beyond the music categories, the awards also recognise professionals working across the entertainment industry.

Below is the full list of nominees:

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’

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)

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