The vibrant heart of the music and entertainment industry converged at Joburg Theatre on 12 August 2023, for the much-anticipated second instalment of the annual Basadi in Music Awards. This grand celebration brought together remarkable female talents who have contributed to the arts in exceptional ways, embodying the essence of creativity, resilience, and empowerment.
Under the guidance of the charismatic host Unathi Nkayi, the evening dazzled with extraordinary performances that transcended genres and generations featuring artists such as Andile Gaelesiwe, Khanyo, Winnie Khumalo, Tamara Dey, Maleh, Mpho Sebina, Vicky Sampson and Msaki. A highlight of the event was the captivating tribute by Yanga and Thembisile Ntaka, as they paid homage to the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, Letta Mbulu, PJ Powers, and Angelique Kidjo, who were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the world of music.
The Basadi in Music Awards not only applauded musical excellence but also celebrated the accomplishments of women across diverse entertainment domains. Lwah Ndlunkulu secured the evening’s top honours by clinching both Artist of the Year and Song of the Year accolades, the latter for her mesmerising collaboration Ithuba with Siya Ntuli. Noluthando Ngema, a 27-year-old talent from Ndwedwe, earned the inaugural Nando’s Emerging Artist of the Year distinction.
Recognising the unsung heroes, Phila Tyekana garnered the title Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year, while Masego Seemela stood out as Entertainment Journalist of the Year. Metro FM’s Khutso Theledi claimed the Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year award, Philisa Bidi secured the esteemed title of Entertainment TV Producer of the Year and Msaki, mentor of the Nando’s Emergist Artist of the Year, emerged triumphant as SAMRO Songwriter of the Year. Ntombee Ngcobo Mzolo received the Music TV Presenter of the Year.
The CEO Mosadi in Business Achievement Award recipients were Nhlanhla Mafu, Thando Thabethe, and Boity, while the Mosadi in Music in Africa Award recipients included Berita (Zimbabwe), Maleh (Lesotho), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Sefa (Ghana), and Ayra Starr (Nigeria).
SABC 2 is extremely proud of the successful Basadi Music Awards hosted last night. Electrifying and memorable moments that will be shared with millions of South Africans on the 27th August at 20:30 . We congratulate all the winners and stand anchored in the shared vision of recognising and celebrating women through our partnership with the Basadi in music awards.
“Sofnfree is honoured and proud to support and recognize these powerful, ground breaking female artists in the Amapiano genre who are defining today’s sound – and paving the way for tomorrow’s women in music. We congratulate Khanyisa Jaceni on winning the Sofnfree Amapiano Artist of the Year and wish her the greatest of success in making the world dance to the beat of Africa!”
says Noeleen Burger.
“Congratulations to Noluthando Ngema
says Kirsty Niehaus, Nando’s Marketing Manager: Creativity Portfolio.
We’re excited to see where this journey takes her. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to help her take the next step forward through BIMA. Our purpose at Nando’s is changing lives, and our partnership with BIMA speaks to the heart of what we’re about. We’ve been working with our music partner, Bridges For Music, since 2018, because we believe that helping to create pathways into the industry for South Africa’s emerging musicians is a way we can nurture and showcase local creativity to make a meaningful difference. Together with our loyal Nando’s guests, we’ll also be supporting the remaining four finalists in the Emerging Artists category in their journeys through funds raised by our ‘Give a little; do lot campaign’ that’s running in all our restaurants countrywide during Women’s Month.”
“CAPASSO would like to congratulate the Q Twins on their win in the Most Streamed Female Song category for their song, Sobonana and all winners. As the leading digital Collective Management Organization on the African continent we pride ourselves in uplifting women. Through the leadership of our CEO, Mr Jotam Matariro we would like to encourage all women to keep rising in the music business and never apologise for their greatness.”
– Lerato Matsoso, CAPASSOs Stakeholder Relations and Membership Manager.
“We congratulate and honour Msaki for her outstanding achievements in songwriting,”
said SAMRO.
This award not only celebrates her talent and dedication to her craft but also acknowledges the broader importance of songwriters who are the backbone of the music industry and continually shape our musical heritage.”
Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema:
“Joburg Theatre congratulates all the winners of each category applauding them of their dedication, creativity and passion for remain committed in their crafts. We continue to celebrate these extraordinary women who bring music to the world. Through their creativity they inspire, uplift and empower all.”
BIMA CEO Hloni Modise-Matau:
“The second Basadi in Music Awards was an incredible success echoing women’s profound impact in the music and entertainment industry. Thanks to our gracious guests who added elegance, sponsors who empowered and recognised women in music, Unathi Nkayi’s guiding presence, prestigious guest presenters, and mesmerizing performers, we celebrated unity and talent. This event showcased industry creativity and strength while acknowledging the often unnoticed dedication of women behind the scenes. To my team, your dedication, hard work, and attention to detail made this possible. Special thanks to our host venue, Joburg Theatre, and heartfelt congratulations to award recipients.”
Please find the complete list of nominees, winners (in bold) and special award recipients below:
1. AFRO POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Artist – Song Title)
- Brenda Mtambo – Enzakwenzeke
- Kelly Khumalo – Akathintwa
- Lioness Mohoje – Dipotso
- Lwah Ndlunkulu – Ngiyeza
- Nomfundo Moh – Izibusiso
2. SOFNFREE AMAPIANO ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Artist – Song Title)
- Boohle Ft Murumba Pitch & Gaba Cannal – Undenza Ntoni
- Kamo Mphela Ft Various Artists – Hanna Montana
- Khanyisa Jaceni Ft Sir Trill, Marcus Mc, Tycoon & Ben Da Prince – Gyjima
- Nkosazana Daughter Ft Murumba Pitch, Master Kg & Lowsheen – Ring Ring Ring
- Pabi Cooper Ft Mello & Sleazy – Wag a Bietjie
3. ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Lizwi
- Lwah Ndlunkulu
- Makhadzi
- Skye Wanda
- Uncle Waffles
4. DANCE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Artist – Song Title)
- Maline Aura Ft Karyendasoul – Ifu
- Manana Highness – Ngifuna Wena
- Nuzu Deep- Come Find Me
- Simmy Ft Msaki – Hlelo
- Skye Wanda – Amazwi
5. DJ OF THE YEAR
- Lady Amar
- Lamiez Holworthy
- Ms Cosmo
- Pru Luv
- Uncle Waffles
6. DUO/COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR (Artist – Song Title)
- Bontle Smith Nia Pearl And Nicol Elocin – My Love
- Group Chat – Mama
- Ney The Bae And Nadia Nakai – Thick Slim
- Qwabe Twins – Sobonana
- Txc And Khanyisa – Vuka Mawulele
7. NANDO’S EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Black Villian
- Buzzi Lee
- Gemma Fassie
- Noluthando Ngema
- Qaqamba Ntshinka
8. ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR (Journalist – Publication)
- Amanda Matshaka – SA POSITIVE NEWS
- Andiswa Ngenyane – DAILY SUN
- Masego Seemela – SOWETAN SMAG
- Nokubongwa Phenyane – ISOLEZWE
- Nokuthula Zwane – NEWS 24
9. ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR (Presenter – Show Name – Radio Station)
- Khutso Theledi – The Break Away – METRO FM
- Lerato Kganyago – Midday Link Up – METRO FM
- Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho – Monate Breakfast Show – THOBELA FM
- Mittah Ledimo – The Kickstart On The Bloem Rise Breakfast Show – RADIO BLOEM
- Thando Thabethe – 947 Drive With Thando – 947
10. ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Producer – Show Name – Radio Station)
- Ayanda Melansi – Jabul’ Ujule – UKHOZI FM
- Kgoshigadi Rangata – Power Xperience – POWER FM
- Masego Tlhakanye – 5 Weekend Breakfast – 5 FM
- Phila Tyekana – The Touchdown – METRO FM
- Pru Luv – Midday Link Up – METRO FM
11. ENTERTAINMENT TV PRODUCER OF THE YEAR(Producer – Show Name – TV Channel)
- Layinah Petersen Espresso Show – S3
- Mathawe Matsapola The Morning Show – ETV
- Mbali Gamede Lifestyle 101 – Soweto TV
- Philisa Bidi Massive Music – CHANNEL O
- Thapelo Mowela Morning Live – SABC 2
12. GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR(Artist – Song Title)
- Athandie Mvusi – Thixo Akunangqaleko
- Bucy Radebe – Vuka Jona
- Hle – Take Heart
- Mmatema – My Time Is Now
- Ntokozo Mbambo – Ngcwele Nkosi
13. HIP HOP(Artist – Song Title)
- Faith K – Ongen’koti
- Fifi Cooper Ft Lwah Ndlunkulu – Ngeke
- Nadia Nakai Ft Lucasraps – Not The Same
- Ney The Bae – Hi, Everybody
- Rouge – Turn It Up
14. JAZZ ARTIST OF THE YEAR(Artist – Song Title)
- Gloria Bosman – Bonga Njalo
- Katalia – Bophelo
- Thandi Ntuli – Inkululeko
- Thesis Za – Chosi
15. MUSIC TV PRESENTER(Presenter – Show Name)
- Ntombee Mzolo – Yash’ Ingoma
- Pamela Mtanga – Massive Music
- Senelisiwe Mbongwa – Soweto Tv Gospel Xplosion
16. MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (Artist – Song Title)
- Jamie Lee-Sexton – Run Run Run
- Kamo Mphela Ft Various Artists – Ghost
- Lwa Ndlunkulu – Ngiyeza
- Ney The Bae Ft Given Zulu – Ingwe
- Pabi Cooper Ft Mello & Sleazy – Wag A Bietjie
17. NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR(Artist – Song Title)
- Dimahr – Uptown Girls
- Dimakatso Lee – Holokile
- Eves Manxeba Ft May Jack – Ukukhanya
- Group Chat – Mama
- Kele M – Awake
18. POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR(Artist – Song Title)
- Herrah – 19:00
- Holly Rey – Stripped
- Jamie-Lee Sexton – Run Run Run
- Rah Punzl – Don’t Stop
- Tamara Dey – Disco Therapy
19. REGGAE ARIST OF THE YEAR(Artist – Song Title)
- Delta The Leo – Pum Pum
- Dimahr – Uptown Girls
- Empres Lilly – One Day
- Reigh Afrika – Bazali Bam
- Zama Sunshine – Tell Me
20. SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR
- Mandz Not Hot
- Nelisiwe Sibiya
- Pamela Mtanga
- Thato Immaculate
- Tshidi Kekana Manganye
21. SONG OF THE YEAR(Artist – Song Title)
- Boohle Ft Murumba Pitch and Gabba Canal – Undeza Ntoni
- Lady Amar, Jl Sa. Cici and Murumba Pitch – Hamba Juba
- Lwah Ndlunkulu Ft Siya Ntuli – Ithuba
- Pabi Cooper Ft Mello & Sleazy – Wag a Bietjie
- Uncle Waffles,Tony Duardo, Justin99 Ft Pcee, Eeque and Chley – Yahyuppiyah
22. SAMRO SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Gloria Bosman
- Jamie Lee Sexton
- Lioness Mohoje
- Msaki
- Phumla Music
23. STYLIST OF THE YEAR
- Boogy Maboi
- Lindo Mnguni
- Lindu Stylist
- Nhlanhla Mafu
- Odirile the savage stylist
24. TRADITIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR(Artist – Song Title)
- Candy Tsamandebele ft Henny C – Rato Laka
- Dr Buselaphi ft Camagwini & Shota – Uma khanda Khanda
- Dr Sophy – Vamaseve wa Mina
- Mma Ausi – Chiba lekgomu
- Pleasure Tsa Manyalo – Mahlako Roko Ya Mosadi
NON-VOTING CATEGORY RECIPIENTS
25. CEO MOSADI IN BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
- Nhlanhla Mafu for NN Vintage
- Thando Thabethe for Thabooty’s Underwear and Shapewear
- Boity for BT Signature
26. MOSADI IN MUSIC IN AFRICA AWARD RECIPIENTS
- Berita (Zimbabwe)
- Maleh (Lesotho)
- Mpho Sebina (Botswana)
- Sefa (Ghana)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
27. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
- Letta Mbulu
- PJ Powers
- Angelique Kidjo
28. MOST STREAMED SONG BETWEEN APRIL 2022 – MARCH 2023
- Q TWINS – Sobonana
29. HIGHEST PLAYLISTED SONG BETWEEN APRIL 2022 – MARCH 2023.
- Nomfundo Moh – Soft Life