ArtistDirect News
Basadi In Music Awards 2026: Nothando Hlophe, Zee Nxumalo, and MaWhoo Shine on Second Night
The Basadi In Music Awards lit up Johannesburg’s Braamfontein on Saturday, 8 August 2026, as women who shape South Africa’s music industry took center stage. The ceremony, the second night of the event’s fifth anniversary, unfolded inside the historic Joburg Theatre and was hosted by a quartet of seasoned presenters: Unathi Nkayi, Anele Zondo, Nomuzi Mabena and Lerato Kganyago.
Organised in partnership with the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), the night celebrated 28 categories that span songwriting, production, performance and styling. The awards spotlighted female artists, producers and industry professionals whose work has driven the country’s sonic landscape.
At the heart of the evening was Gospel singer Nothando Hlophe, who captured the coveted Song of the Year trophy for her track “Empini.” Hlophe’s win follows her return to the stage after a brief hiatus and the 2022 launch of her live album. When accepting the award she admitted, “I didn’t prepare a speech, I don’t know where to start.” She turned the moment into a tribute to her mother and the fans who propelled her to victory, noting that her mother had sent “five at a time” of voting airtime.
Swazi‑South African star Zee Nxumalo was named Artist of the Year, a title earned after receiving six nominations that night. Nxumalo’s 2023 single “Funk 55” had already achieved five‑times platinum certification in South Africa, cementing her rapid ascent in contemporary pop. The accolade underscored her growing influence across the region.
The Amapiano scene received a double honour when South African singer‑songwriter MaWhoo claimed both the Highest Airplay Award and Amapiano Artist of the Year. Known for her 2022 hit “Umshado,” MaWhoo’s dual triumph reflects the genre’s expanding commercial reach and her status as a leading figure within it.
The International Recognition Award was presented to global house music icon Monique Bingham. Bingham expressed gratitude, saying, “This is amazing. Thank you to everyone who put this together.” She highlighted the importance of supporting African women, adding, “If we don’t do it, I don’t know who’s going to do it.” The honour acknowledges Bingham’s three‑decade career and her influence on the continent’s music scene.
Samro Songwriter of the Year went to Nonny Muji, who delivered a heartfelt acceptance that was, like Hlophe’s, unplanned. Muji thanked God, her mother and her supporters, recalling how her mother “sometimes would send five at a time.”
Simphiwe Dana received the Gallo Renaissance Award, presented as part of Gallo’s centenary celebrations. The South African singer dedicated the award to “all the women, the women who have been in my life and who continue to be in my life, and to all the women of South Africa,” acknowledging her contribution to the nation’s musical heritage.
Thabsie was honoured as Best Styled Artist of the Year, a nod to her relentless pursuit of fashion excellence. She expressed gratitude, remarking, “I’m just so grateful to God and everyone.”
The night also featured live performances and a presentation of the International Recognition Award to Bingham, illustrating BIMA’s broader mission to celebrate women’s impact on the African music industry and to foster a network of female talent across the continent.
Founded by Hloni Modise in 2022, the Basadi In Music Awards has quickly become a pivotal platform for female artists and industry leaders. The 2026 edition, spread over two nights, continued its tradition of spotlighting women’s achievements in songwriting, performance, production and styling, and underscored the dynamic, diverse nature of South Africa’s music scene and the growing influence of women within it.
Organised in partnership with the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), the night celebrated 28 categories that span songwriting, production, performance and styling. The awards spotlighted female artists, producers and industry professionals whose work has driven the country’s sonic landscape.
At the heart of the evening was Gospel singer Nothando Hlophe, who captured the coveted Song of the Year trophy for her track “Empini.” Hlophe’s win follows her return to the stage after a brief hiatus and the 2022 launch of her live album. When accepting the award she admitted, “I didn’t prepare a speech, I don’t know where to start.” She turned the moment into a tribute to her mother and the fans who propelled her to victory, noting that her mother had sent “five at a time” of voting airtime.
Swazi‑South African star Zee Nxumalo was named Artist of the Year, a title earned after receiving six nominations that night. Nxumalo’s 2023 single “Funk 55” had already achieved five‑times platinum certification in South Africa, cementing her rapid ascent in contemporary pop. The accolade underscored her growing influence across the region.
The Amapiano scene received a double honour when South African singer‑songwriter MaWhoo claimed both the Highest Airplay Award and Amapiano Artist of the Year. Known for her 2022 hit “Umshado,” MaWhoo’s dual triumph reflects the genre’s expanding commercial reach and her status as a leading figure within it.
The International Recognition Award was presented to global house music icon Monique Bingham. Bingham expressed gratitude, saying, “This is amazing. Thank you to everyone who put this together.” She highlighted the importance of supporting African women, adding, “If we don’t do it, I don’t know who’s going to do it.” The honour acknowledges Bingham’s three‑decade career and her influence on the continent’s music scene.
Samro Songwriter of the Year went to Nonny Muji, who delivered a heartfelt acceptance that was, like Hlophe’s, unplanned. Muji thanked God, her mother and her supporters, recalling how her mother “sometimes would send five at a time.”
Simphiwe Dana received the Gallo Renaissance Award, presented as part of Gallo’s centenary celebrations. The South African singer dedicated the award to “all the women, the women who have been in my life and who continue to be in my life, and to all the women of South Africa,” acknowledging her contribution to the nation’s musical heritage.
Thabsie was honoured as Best Styled Artist of the Year, a nod to her relentless pursuit of fashion excellence. She expressed gratitude, remarking, “I’m just so grateful to God and everyone.”
The night also featured live performances and a presentation of the International Recognition Award to Bingham, illustrating BIMA’s broader mission to celebrate women’s impact on the African music industry and to foster a network of female talent across the continent.
Founded by Hloni Modise in 2022, the Basadi In Music Awards has quickly become a pivotal platform for female artists and industry leaders. The 2026 edition, spread over two nights, continued its tradition of spotlighting women’s achievements in songwriting, performance, production and styling, and underscored the dynamic, diverse nature of South Africa’s music scene and the growing influence of women within it.