SA: Bonang Matheba to receive Trailblazer Award at 2026 BIMAs

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Joburg Theatre on 8 August 2026 under the theme "REWIND", alongside the campaign "Africa to the World". According to the organisers, the Trailblazer Award recognises individuals whose vision, innovation and leadership have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Matheba, whose career in broadcasting spans more than two decades, has presented several major music and entertainment events, including the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), Metro FM Music Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Miss South Africa, the BET Awards International Red Carpet and Global Citizen: Mandela 100.

Beyond broadcasting, she has expanded into business as the founder of House of BNG, executive producer and star of the reality television series Being Bonang, and author of From A to B.

“Some people succeed within an industry. Bonang Matheba transformed it,” BIMAs founder and CEO Hloni Modise Matau sai. “She showed an entire generation of African women that it is possible to dream without limits, occupy spaces once thought unattainable and build a globally respected brand while remaining unapologetically African."

She added: “The Trailblazer Award is reserved for individuals whose impact changes the course of an industry. Bonang has done exactly that. She has inspired women to own their voices, recognise their value and understand that success is something you intentionally create. As Basadi celebrates five years of championing women in music, there is no one more deserving of this honour.”

Responding to the announcement, Matheba described the award as both a recognition of her journey and a reminder of her responsibility to support others.

“Thank you to the Basadi in Music Awards for this incredible honour. To be recognised alongside women who've shaped this industry is a privilege I don't take for granted.”

She said the recognition had prompted her to reflect on the purpose behind her business ventures.

“It’s made me reflect on why I started House of BNG and the Bonang Matheba Foundation in the first place, because building something bigger than yourself is always worth it. These businesses exist because of the doors that were opened for me, and this award is a reminder to keep opening them for the next generation.”

Matheba also outlined her ambitions for House of BNG, saying: “As an MCC brand, we're already growing beyond South Africa, and the ambition is bold: I'd love to see House of BNG on the world stage and show the world African luxury in the way I've always known it – world class, undeniable, and ready to shine.”