Basadi Music Awards 2026: All 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)