A landmark fifth anniversary celebrates women, music and culture with powerhouse hosts, iconic performances and a double win for MaWhoo
Basadi in Music Awards celebrated its fifth anniversary in spectacular fashion on Saturday night, 8 August 2026, bringing together some of Africa’s most celebrated artists, entertainers, creatives and industry leaders at Joburg Theatre under the powerful theme REWIND.
Five years after its inception, Basadi in Music Awards has evolved into a significant platform for recognising and celebrating women across music and entertainment. The 2026 edition honoured the journey that brought the platform to this milestone while looking ahead to the next generation of African talent.
The evening featured a historic reunion of four powerhouse women in entertainment Unathi, Moozlie, Anele Zondo and Lerato Kganyago who took to the stage as hosts. Their reunion brought together different chapters of South Africa’s entertainment history and perfectly captured the spirit of REWIND: remembering the past while shaping what comes next.
Joburg Theatre stage became a showcase of African musical talent, with performances spanning generations, genres and musical styles.
The 2026 performance line-up featured:
Kelly Khumalo, Thatohatsi, Monique Bingham, Makhadzi, Lira, Nia Pearl, MaWhoo, Nothando Hlophe and Anele Zondo.
The performances reflected the breadth of African music from established icons to contemporary voices defining the sound of a new generation.
Internationally acclaimed artist Monique Bingham, who was also honoured with the International Recognition Award, brought a special global dimension to the celebration.
MaWhoo emerged as one of the evening’s biggest winners, taking home two major honours: Amapiano Artist of the Year and the Highest Airplay Award for her hit Bengicela.
The double victory further reinforces MaWhoo’s position as one of the leading voices within the Amapiano movement, while highlighting the continued influence of South Africa’s globally recognised sound.
The fifth anniversary was also a moment to celebrate women whose careers have made an enduring contribution to South Africa’s cultural landscape.
Music legends Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai were honoured with the G100 Gallo Renaissance Award, recognising their extraordinary contribution to South African music and culture as Gallo celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Two distinguished careers were celebrated through the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane and Esta M.
Entertainment and media powerhouse Bonang Matheba was honoured with the Trailblazer of the Year Award, recognising her pioneering influence and lasting contribution to the entertainment industry.
THE 2026 BASADI IN MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
| CATEGORY | WINNER |
| Afro Pop Artist of the Year | Kelly Khumalo |
| Amapiano Artist of the Year | MaWhoo |
| Artist of the Year | Zee Nxumalo |
| Best Female Feature of the Year | Nia Pearl & Boohle — Shela |
| Best Styled Artist of the Year | Thabsie |
| CAPASSO Most Streamed Song | Janesh Ngwanaka |
| Collaboration of the Year | Lwah Ndlunkulu & Starr Healer |
| Dance Artist of the Year | Kharishma |
| DJ of the Year | DBN Gogo |
| Gospel Artist of the Year | Mmatema |
| Hip-Hop Artist of the Year | Anele Zondo |
| Jazz Artist of the Year | Judith Sephuma |
| Music Video of the Year | Kamo Mphela — Partii |
| Newcomer of the Year | Siphiwe Black |
| Pop Artist of the Year | Ava Like Lava |
| Reggae Artist of the Year | Cindy Sanyu (Uganda) |
| Song of the Year | Nothando Hlophe Methodist Medley |
| SAMRO Songwriter of the Year | Nonny Muji Lo Bhuti |
| Traditional Artist of the Year | Buhlebendalo |
| Highest Airplay Award | MaWhoo Bengicela |
| International Recognition Award | Monique Bingham |
| G100 Gallo Renaissance Award | Simphiwe Dana |
| G100 Gallo Renaissance Award | Thandiswa Mazwai |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Esta M |
| Trailblazer of the Year | Bonang Matheba |
Hloni Modise Matau, Founder and CEO of Basadi in Music Awards, said:
“REWIND was about honouring where we come from, celebrating how far we have come and making sure the women shaping our future know that they belong. Five years in, Basadi is bigger than an awards ceremony. It is a movement and we are only getting started.”
Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema, CEO of Joburg City Theatres, said:
“Joburg Theatre is proud to stand with Basadi at this milestone. Basadi creates space for women to be seen, celebrated and remembered. REWIND honoured the past while giving us a clear view of the future.”
Dichaba Phalatse, Head of Video Entertainment at SABC2, said:
“Basadi gives visibility to women who are shaping our culture and our entertainment landscape. For SABC2, supporting this platform is about amplifying these powerful stories and ensuring that the achievements of African women reach audiences far beyond the theatre. Five years of Basadi is a significant milestone, and we are proud to be part of a platform that continues to celebrate women, excellence and African talent.”
Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Inc. and member of the Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board, said:
“Recognition creates visibility, and visibility creates opportunity. Basadi has spent five years building an ecosystem where women’s contribution is acknowledged, celebrated and remembered. REWIND reminded us where we started now we must build what comes next.”
FIVE YEARS OF BASADI. THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS.
The fifth anniversary reaffirmed that Basadi in Music Awards is more than an awards ceremony.
It is a growing cultural platform dedicated to recognising the women shaping Africa’s music and entertainment industries on stage, behind the scenes and across the wider creative economy.
Through its five-year journey, Basadi has created a space where established icons can be honoured, emerging talent can be discovered and the contribution of women to African culture can be recognised.
REWIND was therefore not simply a celebration of the past. It was a reminder that every generation of women leaves something behind for the next.
As Basadi enters its next chapter, its vision continues to expand beyond South Africa, strengthening its position as a Pan-African platform connecting African women in music and entertainment to audiences across the continent and around the world.
Five years have been written into the Basadi story.
The next chapter starts now.
Basadi in Music Awards
Celebrating the women shaping Africa’s sound, culture and future.
Khanya PR
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