Meet the Basadi in Music Awards™ 2026 Nominees
From chart-topping artists to industry leaders working behind the scenes, these nominees represent excellence, creativity, and impact across Africa’s music and entertainment landscape.
Browse the categories, discover the nominees, and cast your vote to celebrate the women shaping the future of the industry.
Music Awards
Afro Pop Artist of the Year
Aya Msani
Sondela
Kelly khumalo
Nyamezela
Phumla Music
Brand New
Pretty Masompisi
eKhaya
Maleh
Khotso le Lesedi
Nonny Muji
Lo bhuti
Amapiano Artist of the Year
DBN Gogo
Kamo Mphela
Zee Nxumalo
Mawhoo
Thatohatsi
Nkosazana Daughter
Artist of the Year
Kharishma
Shandesh
Mawhoo
Ayra Starr
Mmatema
Zee Nxumalo
Nkosazana Daughter
Tyla
Best Female Feature of the Year
Mawhoo
Jazzwrld, GL_Ceejay & Thukuthela FT. Mawhoo - Tholukuthi
Zawadi Yamungu
Kabza de Smal FT Zawadii - Lawuleka
Mashudu
Kelvin Momo & Mashudu - Spani sam
Boohle
Sam Deep FT. Nia Pearl and Boohle - Shela
De Rose
DJ Jaivane, Smaki 08, Wesley Keys Ft De Rose - Lutho
Nontokozo Mkhize
Kabza de Small ft. Nontokozo Mkhize & Mthunzi - Siyabonga
Best Styled Artist of the year
Nia Pearl
Zawadi Yamungu
Uncle Waffles
DJ Zinhle
Thabsie_ SA
Zee Nxumalo
Collaboration of the Year
CICI and Naledi Aphiwe
Amen
Mamakie Motlogelwa & Mmaausi
Chuku
DJ Zinhle and Thabsie_SA
Kusazokhanya
Mawhoo and Zee Nxumalo
Sesamukela
Lwah Ndlukulu & Starr Healer
Allowance
Erin Elliot and Sophia Frank
Birthday Cake
Dance Artist of the Year
Shandesh
Warning
Kharishma
Inama
DJ Zinhle and Liema Pansi
Hlala Nami
Uncle Waffles
Babes Wodumo
DJ of the Year
Kele Megano
DJ Lesa
Kasi Duchaz
LKG
DBN Gogo
Uncle Waffles
Gospel Artist of the Year
Mmatema
Oa ntwanela
Nothando Hlophe
Methodist Medley
Musa Yende
Kubo Bonke
Ada Ehi
Maberumo
Futhi Mhlongo
Phath' igama likaJesu
HLE
Blessed
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Mega Snowflake
Biggest
XXC Legacy
FT. Mtee - Legacy
Rouge
FT. Moozlie and Nadia Nakai - Juicy
K.Keed
Dilemma
Bomb$hell Grenade
FT. Yo Maps - Weka
Nadia Nakai
REALLY
Ney The Bae
WHOLE CITY
Jazz Artist of the Year
Busigold
Mvelinqangi
Melorie Jane
Now Open your eyes
Kearoma Rantao
Keledi marameng
Nokuthula Fundama
Wothini Na
Judith Sephuma
Makeba
Music Video of the Year
Nkosazana Daughter
Emsakazweni
Kharishma
Wa inama
Ayra Starr
Hot Body
Cici and Naledi Aphiwe
Amen
Pretty Masompisi
Ngi'Happy
Kamo Mphela
Partii
Tyla
Chanel
Newcomer of the Year
Busigold
Mvelinqangi
Mafuthi Madondo
Vumani
De Rose
Kwa Gogo
Sakhile
U'lo
Siphiwe Black
Edolobeni
Pop Artist of the Year
Anica Kiana
Not The Same
Ava
Tokyo Thrift
Erin Elliot
She Said
Sophia Frank
Overated
Shekhinah
What are we?
Reggae Artist of the Year
Undefynd Musiq
Beacon
Dimahr
Ancient Waters
Empress Deevyne
You're worthy
Cathy Matete
We won't be silent
Cindy Sanyu
Nayise Naye
Song of the Year
Nothando Hlophe
Methodist Medley
Kharishma
Wa inama
Kamo Mphela
Partii
Mawhoo
Bengicela
Zee Nxumalo
Mamma
Ayra Starr
Hot Body
Tyla
Chanel
SAMRO Songwriter of the Year
Cici FT. Naledi Aphiwe
Amen
Zawadi Yamungu
Woza Wemvula
Buhlebendalo
Zulu
Nonny Muji
Lo bhuti
Thando Zide
Emandulo
Maleh
Dithapelo
Traditional Artist of the Year
Mamakie Motlogelwa and Mmaausi
Chuku
Miss Hilary
Ani Tleli
Buhlebendalo
Zulu
Dr Nothembi
Isinya lekosini
Thope Tse Khang
Li peke
Vanguard Awards
Artist Manager of the year
Vanessa Mazabane
Sannah Thwala
Daisy Thato Selebogo
Mela Mtimande
Shiran Weltsman
Thuli Kweupile
Entertainment Journalist of the year
Joy Mphande
TimesLive
Oluthando Keteyi
IOL Entertainment
Ivie Ani
OkayAfrica/Vanity Fair/Vibe
Lopang Mokae
Newsroom Africa
Phumie Ramalepe
News24
Entertainment Radio Presenter of the year
Lebo Maoela
Boipelo Mooketsi
Bolele Polisa
Lerato Kganyago
Lebo Ndiya
Entertainment Radio Producer of the year
Masego
5FM: 5 Drive
Nthabi Mamabolo
Radio2000 Weekend Breakfast
Letty Nyathela Chili
Ikwekwezi FM - Emthonjeni
Phila Tyekana
Kaya959
Entertainment TV producer of the year
Minnie Dlamini
Club Bangers for Channel O.
Thapelo Mowela
Morning Live
Dibuseng Meloe
The Morning Show
TV Show Presenter of the Year
Candice Modiselle Sello
One Gospel Easter Music Special
Kuhle Adams
Expresso
Nomalanga Shozi
Playlist @Moloko
Penny Lebyane
Eintlek Let’s Connect
Hair Stylist of the year
Ntombomzi Lekgoro
Smangele Sibisi
Irene de Fonseca
Jessica Neyasi Chiau
(Styled by Jessica)
Make Up Artist of the Year
Bokamoso Dikobe
BK Makeup Artist
Renee De Wit
Zamo Dlamini
Spotless by Zamo
Nono Linchwe
Carol Ntombi
Podcast presenter of the year
Londi London
Read the Room
Yanda Woods
Spreading Humours
Khanyi Mars
Yano Lyrics
Relebogile Mabotja
Relebogile Mabotja Podcast
Anyiko Owoko
VIP Access
Stylist of the year
Siyamthanda Ndube
Thato Ndzimande (the gmni)
Khanyisile Mdletshe
