Basadi in Music Awards 2026: All the Night One winners

Ani’s win was among the honours presented during the first night of the awards, which recognises women working across South Africa’s music and wider entertainment industries. Her recognition also underscored the increasingly Pan-African character of the awards, with women from across the continent now featuring in the programme.

The ceremony was held under the anniversary theme REWIND Your BIMA, Your Way, marking five years of the BIMAs and reflecting on the contribution of women to Africa's creative industries.

The first night focused on professionals working across the entertainment value chain, including artist management, journalism, radio, television, beauty, fashion and podcasting.

BIMAs founder and chief executive Hloni Modise said the awards were increasingly providing a platform for African talent to be recognised across borders.

“Africa has never lacked talent. What we have needed are more platforms that allow us to see that talent, connect it and celebrate it collectively.”

Modise said the fifth anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the awards’ development while considering their future direction.

“Our fifth anniversary is an important moment because we are looking at where Basadi has come from, but also where we are going.”

Manaileng Maphike, managing director of Maphike Inc. and a member of the Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board, said recognition was important for women whose work often extends beyond the most visible parts of the entertainment industry.

“There is power in being seen. These women have built careers, created opportunities and contributed to an industry that continues to evolve.”

Other winners on the night included Sannah Thwala, who received Artist Manager of the Year; Boipelo Mooketsi, who won Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year; and Letty Nyathela Chili, who was named Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year.

Smangele Sibisi won Hairstylist of the Year, while Zamo Dlamini received the Makeup Artist of the Year award. Candice Modiselle was recognised as TV Show Presenter of the Year and Khanyisile Mdletshe won Stylist of the Year.

Minnie Dlamini received the Entertainment TV Producer of the Year award, while Khanyi Mars was named Podcast Presenter of the Year.

The fifth edition of the Basadi in Music Awards continues the organisation’s focus on recognising women across different areas of the entertainment industry while expanding its reach beyond South Africa. The inclusion of Ani, a Nigerian journalist, among the winners reflects the awards' stated ambition to create a platform that connects and celebrates women across the continent.

Below is the full list of winners from the first night:

Artist Manager of The Year

• Sannah Thwala

Entertainment Journalist of the Year

• Ivie Ani Nigeria

Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year

• Boipelo Mooketsi

Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year

• Letty Nyathela Chili

Hairstylist of the Year

• Smangele Sibisi

Makeup Artist of the Year

• Zamo Dlamini

TV Show Presenter of the Year

• Candice Modiselle

Stylist of the Year

• Khanyisile Mdletshe

Entertainment TV Producer of the Year

• Minnie Dlamini

Podcast Presenter of the Year

• Khanyi Mars