BIMAs marks fifth anniversary with celebration of women and African music

The proceedings opened with a Gold Carpet hosted by a rotating team of media personalities including Mutondini Mukodamani, Nina Hastie, Marcus Molemane and Thato Joy. The collaborative hosting approach reflected one of the recurring themes of the awards: the importance of collective effort in creating opportunities for women in the creative industries. Among those attending were prominent figures including Minnie Dlamini and Lady Zamar.

BIMAs also used the theatre foyer to showcase emerging artists, creating a platform for performers including Inna G, Witney, Refilwe, Bad Milk, Sakhile, Billion, Money Badoo and Siibu. Rather than focusing solely on established names, the showcase offered audiences an opportunity to encounter artists who could become part of the next generation of African music.

The first segment of the awards focused largely on the professionals working behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. Categories recognising presenters, producers, stylists and make-up artists highlighted the contribution of women whose work is essential to the success of television, live events and music productions.

BIMAs founding CEO and chief executive Hloni Modise credited the event’s support network for helping to bring the fifth edition to fruition.

“This year is all about the spirit of community. If it were not for the spirit of community, this event would have not happened… The ladies stepped up for the movement,” she said.

The main stage featured performances by Lira, Monique Bingham, Makhadzi, Kelly Khumalo, MaWhoo, Nia Pearl, Nothando Hlophe, Thatohatsi and Anele Zondo. Makhadzi delivered one of the evening’s standout performances, combining choreography and her energetic stage presence, while her performance of ‘Tsotsi’ prompted a strong response from the audience.

Gospel singer Nothando Hlophe offered a contrasting moment, delivering a more intimate performance that drew the audience into a collective singalong, with many attendees raising their hands as she performed.

The fifth edition also marked an expansion of BIMAs’ geographic focus. Modise said the organisation had sought to broaden the awards beyond South Africa and create a platform with greater continental reach.

“This year we wanted to open up a different dimension of Basadi in Music Awards. BIMAs were never just a South African thing. The vision was to step outside of the South African borders,” she said.

That ambition was reflected in the introduction of international and Pan-African recognition categories. American-born singer Monique Bingham received the International Recognition Award, while Ugandan musician Cindy Sanyu was recognised with the Pan-African Award.

The awards also honoured the contribution of established South African artists. Thandiswa Mazwai and Simphiwe Dana received the Gallo Renaissance Award for their contributions to the country's musical and cultural heritage. Both artists have built careers around distinctive forms of musical expression while contributing to the visibility of women within South Africa’s creative landscape.

Accepting her award, Mazwai acknowledged the women who had influenced her career and the emerging artists who would carry African music forward.

“I come from a long school of great women whose shoulders I stand on. People like Miriam Makeba, Busi Mhlongo and Letta Mbulu,” she said.

She added: “In this room are some of the great up-and-coming legendary children who will take our story forward. And I’m so honoured to be in this room with all of you for our names to be called together when history remembers what the women of this time did.”

The fifth edition demonstrated how BIMAs has evolved from an awards platform focused primarily on recognition into a broader celebration of women’s participation in African music and entertainment. Its emphasis on emerging artists, behind-the-scenes professionals and talent from beyond South Africa suggests a growing ambition to connect women across the continent's music ecosystem.

As BIMAs enters its sixth year, its expansion into Pan-African and international territory could provide a wider platform for women whose contributions to the continent’s music industry have often received limited visibility. The fifth edition offered a clear indication of the awards' changing direction: celebrating established achievements while creating space for the next generation of African women in music.