Open across Africa in their fifth year
Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) has officially announced that nominations for the 2026 edition are now open, marking a major milestone as the awards celebrate five years of honouring women across the music and entertainment industry.
Nominations are now open and will close on 30 May 2026. Now in its fifth year, Basadi in Music Awards continues to stand as a powerful platform celebrating excellence, impact and influence of women across the music ecosystem.
From artists and DJs to radio producers, television presenters, journalists, and artist managers, BIMA recognises the women shaping Africa’s cultural and creative landscape. “Opening nominations each year is a defining moment for us. It signals not only the start of awards season, but the continued growth of a movement that uplifts and recognises women across every corner of the music industry,” said Hloni Modise Matau, CEO and Founder of Basadi in Music Awards.
“As we expand across Africa and invite global participation, we are building a platform that is inclusive, representative and forward looking.” The 2026 edition expands beyond South Africa, officially opening nominations to women across the African continent.
In addition, fans from around the world are invited to participate in the nomination process, reinforcing BIMA’s position as an inclusive and globally accessible platform. “As we mark five years of Basadi in Music Awards, we are proud to witness its evolution from a national initiative into a powerful continental movement.
This year’s expansion across the continent is a deliberate step toward greater inclusion and representation. We are creating a space where every woman in music can be seen, heard, and honoured, while ensuring their voices resonate on a global stage.” Said CEO of Joburg City Theatres Xoliswa Nduneni- Ngema The awards remain rooted in community participation. BIMA empowers the public to recognise and elevate women who are shaping the industry. “Africa’s story is told through its people and the women in this industry are among its most powerful narrators,” said Leroy Lyon Monaheng CEO of Black Mobile. “For the second consecutive year, Black Mobile is proud to support Basadi in Music Awards. By powering the SMS platform across borders, we are expanding access and enabling broader participation across the continent.”
More than an awards ceremony, Basadi in Music Awards represents a cultural movement that creates opportunities, drives visibility, and champions the advancement of women in music across Africa and beyond. "The expansion of BIMA across Africa reflects a necessary and timely shift toward greater inclusion, protection, and recognition of women’s intellectual property, creative rights and economic participation.
At Maphike Attorneys Inc, we remain committed to safeguarding the interests of women in entertainment while enabling platforms such as BIMA to grow with integrity, transparency and lasting impact across the continent.” Said Managing Director of Maphike Attorneys Inc Manaileng Maphike
Nominations are now open and will close on 30 May 2026. Now in its fifth year, Basadi in Music Awards continues to stand as a powerful platform celebrating excellence, impact and influence of women across the music ecosystem.
From artists and DJs to radio producers, television presenters, journalists, and artist managers, BIMA recognises the women shaping Africa’s cultural and creative landscape. “Opening nominations each year is a defining moment for us. It signals not only the start of awards season, but the continued growth of a movement that uplifts and recognises women across every corner of the music industry,” said Hloni Modise Matau, CEO and Founder of Basadi in Music Awards.
“As we expand across Africa and invite global participation, we are building a platform that is inclusive, representative and forward looking.” The 2026 edition expands beyond South Africa, officially opening nominations to women across the African continent.
In addition, fans from around the world are invited to participate in the nomination process, reinforcing BIMA’s position as an inclusive and globally accessible platform. “As we mark five years of Basadi in Music Awards, we are proud to witness its evolution from a national initiative into a powerful continental movement.
This year’s expansion across the continent is a deliberate step toward greater inclusion and representation. We are creating a space where every woman in music can be seen, heard, and honoured, while ensuring their voices resonate on a global stage.” Said CEO of Joburg City Theatres Xoliswa Nduneni- Ngema The awards remain rooted in community participation. BIMA empowers the public to recognise and elevate women who are shaping the industry. “Africa’s story is told through its people and the women in this industry are among its most powerful narrators,” said Leroy Lyon Monaheng CEO of Black Mobile. “For the second consecutive year, Black Mobile is proud to support Basadi in Music Awards. By powering the SMS platform across borders, we are expanding access and enabling broader participation across the continent.”
More than an awards ceremony, Basadi in Music Awards represents a cultural movement that creates opportunities, drives visibility, and champions the advancement of women in music across Africa and beyond. "The expansion of BIMA across Africa reflects a necessary and timely shift toward greater inclusion, protection, and recognition of women’s intellectual property, creative rights and economic participation.
At Maphike Attorneys Inc, we remain committed to safeguarding the interests of women in entertainment while enabling platforms such as BIMA to grow with integrity, transparency and lasting impact across the continent.” Said Managing Director of Maphike Attorneys Inc Manaileng Maphike
