Basadi in Music Awards 2026: All the winners

On the first night of the awards, Nigerian entertainment journalist Ivie Ani emerged as one of the notable winners, while South African singer MaWhoo emerged as one of the biggest winners on the second night.

Held under the theme REWIND, the 2026 ceremony brought together artists, entertainers, creatives and industry figures to mark the awards’ fifth anniversary. MaWhoo won Amapiano Artist of the Year and the Highest Airplay Award for her song ‘Bengicela’, reinforcing her position among the prominent voices in South Africa’s amapiano scene.

The awards recognised artists across a range of genres and disciplines. Kelly Khumalo won Afro Pop Artist of the Year, while Zee Nxumalo was named Artist of the Year. Other winners included Thabsie for Best Styled Artist of the Year, Nia Pearl and Boohle for Best Female Feature of the Year for ‘Shela’, Kharishma for Dance Artist of the Year and DBN Gogo for DJ of the Year.

Anele Zondo won Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Judith Sephuma took the Jazz Artist of the Year award, and Mmatema was recognised as Gospel Artist of the Year. Buhlebendalo won Traditional Artist of the Year, while Ava Like Lava was named Pop Artist of the Year and Uganda’s Cindy Sanyu won Reggae Artist of the Year. Nothando Hlophe received the Song of the Year award for ‘Methodist Medley’.

The ceremony also recognised songwriting and other aspects of music production, with Nonny Muji winning the SAMRO Songwriter of the Year award for ‘Lo Bhuti’. Janesh Ngwanaka received the CAPASSO Most Streamed Song award, while Kamo Mphela won Music Video of the Year for ‘Partii’. Siphiwe Black was named Newcomer of the Year, and Lwah Ndlunkulu and Starr Healer won Collaboration of the Year.

International recognition formed another part of the ceremony, with Monique Bingham receiving the International Recognition Award. The American singer and songwriter was also among the performers at the event.

The awards further honoured established figures whose careers have contributed to South Africa’s musical and cultural heritage. Music icons Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai jointly received the G100 Gallo Renaissance Award as Gallo marks its centenary. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane and Esta M.

Media personality and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba received the Trailblazer of the Year Award for her influence across South African entertainment and business.

The ceremony featured performances by Kelly Khumalo, Thatohatsi, Monique Bingham, Makhadzi, Lira, Nia Pearl, MaWhoo, Nothando Hlophe and Anele Zondo. The line-up brought together established performers and contemporary artists from different parts of the African music landscape.

The event was hosted by four prominent South African entertainment personalities: Unathi, Moozlie, Anele Zondo and Lerato Kganyago.

“REWIND was about honouring where we come from, celebrating how far we have come and making sure the women shaping our future know that they belong,” BIMAs founder and chief executive Hloni Modise-Matau said. “Five years in, Basadi is bigger than an awards ceremony. It is a movement and we are only getting started.”

Joburg City Theatres chief executive Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema said Joburg Theatre’s involvement reflected the importance of creating platforms for women in the arts.

“Joburg Theatre is proud to stand with Basadi at this milestone. Basadi creates space for women to be seen, celebrated and remembered. REWIND honoured the past while giving us a clear view of the future.”

The ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast on SABC2 on 16 August, allowing audiences beyond the live event to watch the celebrations.

Maphike Inc. managing director Manaileng Maphike said: “Recognition creates visibility, and visibility creates opportunity. Basadi has spent five years building an ecosystem where women’s contribution is acknowledged, celebrated and remembered. REWIND reminded us where we started; now we must build what comes next.”

Below is the full list of winners:

Night 1

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

Night 2

Afro Pop Artist of the Year

• Kelly Khumalo

Amapiano Artist of the Year

• MaWhoo

Artist of the Year

• Zee Nxumalo

Best Female Feature of the Year

• Nia Pearl & Boohle — Shela

Best Styled Artist of the Year

• Thabsie

CAPASSO Most Streamed Song

• Janesh Ngwanaka

Collaboration of the Year

• Lwah Ndlunkulu & Starr Healer

Dance Artist of the Year

• Kharishma

DJ of the Year

• DBN Gogo

Gospel Artist of the Year

• Mmatema

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year

• Anele Zondo

Jazz Artist of the Year

• Judith Sephuma

Music Video of the Year

• Kamo Mphela — ‘Partii’

Newcomer of the Year

• Siphiwe Black

Pop Artist of the Year

• Ava Like Lava

Reggae Artist of the Year

• Cindy Sanyu (Uganda)

Song of the Year

• Nothando Hlophe Methodist Medley

SAMRO Songwriter of the Year

• Nonny Muji Lo Bhuti

Traditional Artist of the Year

• Buhlebendalo

Highest Airplay Award

• MaWhoo Bengicela

International Recognition Award

• Monique Bingham

G100 Gallo Renaissance Award

• Simphiwe Dana

G100 Gallo Renaissance Award

• Thandiswa Mazwai

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Esta M

Trailblazer of the Year

• •Bonang Matheba