BASADI IN MUSIC AWARDS RULES 2025 OFFICIAL NOMINATIONS AND VOTING RULES

 INTRODUCTION 

 The following rules govern the nomination and voting process in relation to the Basadi in Music Awards (“BIMA”) (herein referred to as “The Awards”). The Awards are aimed at recognising and awarding excellence by women in music, by means of a popular voting system. Please note that these rules are subject to change from time to time, and the changes will be at the sole discretion of the administrators and managers of BIMA. 

 The fourth (4th) award ceremony of Basadi In Music Awards will be held in Johannesburg during the month of August 2025. 

 The awards have evolved into a two-night celebration (The Vanguard circle and Main Awards), each with its own distinct energy, audience, and purpose. Together, they tell a powerful story of the women shaping the past, present, and future of music and media.

 THE VANGUARD CIRCLE AWARDS

 These awards are aimed to  celebrate the women who lead from the wings — the stylists, journalists, managers, producers, curators, and innovators whose creativity and resilience shape the industry from behind the scenes. This evening sets a reflective and reverent tone, bringing often-overlooked roles into the spotlight and celebrating legacy, mentorship, and excellence in craft.

 MAIN AWARDS

 The flagship awards night — showcasing the performers, hitmakers, legends, and newcomers shaping South Africa’s music landscape. From stage to screen, across all genres, this is a high-energy, televised celebration of musical excellence.

 Each night will feature two types of categories: 

  • Voted For Categories:
    Selected through public nominations and voting.
  • Non-Voted For Categories:
    Selected by the BIMA Selected Committee, based on impact, innovation, and legacy.

 Below are the two awards evening and their categories:

 The Vanguard Circle Awards 

Voted Categories

  1. Best Styled Artist of the year
  2. Entertainment Journalist of the year
  3. Entertainment Radio Presenter of the year
  4. Entertainment Radio Producer of the year
  5. Entertainment TV producer of the year
  6. Music TV Show presenter of the year
  7. Visual Artist of the year
  8. Hair Stylist of the year
  9. Make Up artist of the year
  10. Podcast presenter of the year
  11. Manager of the year
  12. Choreographer of the year

 Non-Voted Categories

  1. Humanitarian Award
  2. CEO Mosadi in Business Achievement Award
  3. Trailblazer of the year 

The Main Awards 

Voted for Categories 

  1. Amapiano artist of the year
  2. Sofnfree Artist of the Year
  3. Collaboration of the year
  4. Dance artist of the year
  5. DJ of the Year
  6. Gospel artist of the year
  7. Hip Hop artist of the year
  8. Jazz artist of the year
  9. Music Video of the year
  10. Newcomer of the Year
  11. Pop artist of the year
  12. Reggae artist of the year
  13. Afro Pop artist of the year
  14. Song of the year
  15. Songwriter of the year
  16. Traditional artist of the year 

 Non-voted for Categories:

  1. Lifetime achievement award
  2. Most Streamed Female Song (on digital platform)
  3. Highest airplay 

  THE RULES CHART 2025 

The chart below summarizes the nominations and voting periods, methods, and limits. The rules are fully described below: 

 

MUSIC NOMINATIONS

 

Voting Window

Dates

Nomination/Voting Methods Permitted

Description

Voting Limit

Open Call for  nominations

12 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

SMS and purchasing bundle votes via credit card method on the BIMA website

The artist, record labels, management and/or teams submit the artist nomination by sending a text to the official SMS line, texting the respective category code, artist/candidate name, name of the song and category code and by purchasing nominations bundles via credit card method on the website

None

Voting

12 June 2025 – 13 July 2025

SMS and purchasing bundle votes via credit card method on the BIMA website

Nominees announcement and the voters choose from among the top nominees after the expiry of the nomination submission period.

None

Eligible winners

N/A

Text and purchasing bundle votes via credit card method on the BIMA

For clarity, voters will choose from the top 5 (five) nominated artists in each category and the nominees with the most votes becomes the winner.

None

 

THE VANGUARD CIRCLE  NOMINATIONS

 

Nomination Window

Dates

Nominating Methods Permitted

Description

Voting Limit

Open Call for craft nomination submissions

12 May 2025 to 30 May 2025

Text and purchasing nominations bundles via credit card method on the BIMA website

 

None

Voting

12 June 2025 to 12 July 2025 ly

Text and purchasing nominations bundles via credit card method.

The voters choose from among the top nominees after the expiry of the nomination submission period.

None

Eligible winners

N/A

Text and purchasing bundle votes via credit card method.

For clarity, voters will choose from the top 5 (five) nominated artists in each category and the nominees with the most votes becomes the winner.

None

 

 

  • The awards are aimed at awarding excellence by women in music. For purposes of clarity, woman shall mean individuals who are identified as such.
  • All dates and times as per the chart above are for the year 2025. The times are from 12:00 AM CAT (or such other time as may be announced by BIMA).
  • BIMA and/or its authorized committee may select winner(s) for additional honorary awards in certain additional regions or categories, in such instances the award(s) will not be subject to a vote, safe to say that Basadi in music awards will appoint a special committee to adjudicate over that award.
  • Inquiries in respect of the nomination and voting process can be obtained by sending an email to info@basadiinmusicawards.co.za.

 

  1. Nomination

  During the nomination period between 12 May 2025 and 30 May 2025 the public, artist, record labels, management and/or teams (“the User”) are required to submit the nomination(s)  as follows: 

  • Music Category 
  • Accessing the Website 

A link will be made available via the Basadi in music awards social media platforms directing the User to the official entry website. 

1.1.2   Selecting a Category 

On the website, the Users shall have access to a list of categories to select from. 

  • The nomination method will be by SMS to 36391
  • One SMS per category equals one vote.
  • One nomination on the link equals R1.50 a minimum of 10 nominations is required for purchase via the credit card link equates to ten (10) votes as set out in Rule 3.3.3.2 below.
  • There is no limit to the number of votes per voter and/or per category.
  • The songs eligible to be voted into any category must have been released between __01 April 2024___________ to 31 March 2025 __.
  • The songs that are eligible must be released and available on either a digital platform or for sale as a physical copy.
  • Basadi in music awards reserves the right to change the voting dates and/or period at any time and upon publishing the notice thereof on the appropriate platforms without necessarily having to provide the reasons for the changes thereof.
  • Nominations will open for all Pan African Artists commencing at 00:00 CAT 09 May 2025, until Midnight CAT on ___30 May 2025____________________ (the “Nomination Window”).
  • Nominations received after the closing date and time will be disqualified.
  • A category will be disqualified in the event that it receives less than 3 (three) entries.
  • In the event that a category receives less than five entries, the BIMA selection committee reserves the right to nominate qualifying entrants.
    In the case where information about a nominee cannot be established or confirmed the entry will be disqualified.
  • Each nomination will undergo a vetting process 

1.6      Eligibility for nomination 

The song and/or submission to be eligible must: 

  • have been released and/or undertaken between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
  • In respect of Music Categories, they must be released and available on either a digital streaming platform and/or for sale as a physical copy.
  • In respect of the Non-Music Categories, the user must have provided the services and/or performed the duties during the eligibility period referred to at Rule 1.6.1 above
  • All submissions must not be the subject of any copyright infringement disputes at the time of nomination. BIMA reserves the right to request proof of ownership or authorization.

 PLEASE NOTE: FAILURE TO PROVIDE ANY OF THE INFORMATION REQUIRED SHALL DEEM THE NOMINATION ILLEGIBLE/INVALID AND THE COST OF SUBMISSION SHALL NOT BE REFUNDED.

 ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR NOMINATION, YOU MAY NOT REVERSE SAME AND/OR ELECT TO NO LONGER PARTICIPATE IN THE AWARDS UNLESS THERE IS A VALID REASON WHICH VALIDITY SHALL BE SOLELY DETERMINED BY BIMA. 

  1. Selection Process of Nominees 

2.1 Once the nomination period has closed, BIMA, through an independent auditor in accordance with the applicable globally accepted and/or used industry standards of vetting in events of this nature, shall vet all the nominations submitted to ensure all the requisite information is provided. 

2.2 Following the audit referred to at Rule 2.1 above, the BIMA appointed expert of panels shall judge the valid submissions only thereafter provide a score per entry vetted, independently. 

2.3 The scores of the judges shall be tallied and the highest points received per category shall be the successful nominees in the respect categories. 

2.4 In the event that a category receives less than five (5) entries, the BIMA Selected committee reserves the right to nominate qualifying entrants or for the year.  

2.5 All judges appointed to score nominations must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in writing. A judge with a conflict shall recuse themselves from scoring that specific category.  

PLEASE NOTE BIMA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISQUALIFY A NOMINEE BASED ON QUALITY OF MUSIC AND/OR PORTFOLIO OF WORK SUBMITTED 

  1. Public Voting 

3.1 The successful nominees shall be announced on or about 12 June 2025 therefrom the public may submit their votes for the winner of each the voted for category. 

 3.2     Voting process and Limits 

  • The voting method will be by SMS on [36391] and purchase a minimum of vote bundles via credit card on the BIMA website.
  • One SMS per category equals one vote, subject to change at the discretion of BIMA and/or the mobile service provider
  • A minimum  bundle of  ten (10) votes via the credit card method on the BIMA website as set out in Rule 3.3.3.2 below.
  • There is no limit to the number of votes per voter and/or per category.
  • BIMA reserves the right to change the voting dates and/or period at any time and upon publishing the notice thereof on the appropriate platforms without necessarily having to provide the reasons for the changes thereof.
  • Votes received after the closing date and time will be disqualified.
  • Voting Windows 

3.3.1   The Voting periods are as outlined in the Rules chart above, although these rules may change from time to time at the discretion of BIMA (subject to prior and publication on the website and related communications platforms). 

3.3.2     Voting period

  • Voting will open as soon as nominees are announced on 12 June 2025.
  • Voting lines will close at Midnight on 12 July 2025 CAT

3.3.3   Voting Costs

  • SMS
    • Each SMS will cost R1.50 (One Rand and fifty cents). Network fees may apply.
    • Handset compatibility subject to the availability of an SMS Application.
    • Free SMS does not apply. 
  • Credit Card Link
    • Minimum purchase value for credit card is R15.00
    • Each bundle of purchase of R15.00 equates to 10 votes.
    • Minimum bundle that can be purchased is for R15.00(Fifteen Rands)    
  1. SELECTION OF WINNERS
  • Each category eligible for voting will have three to five (5) nominees.
  • The nominee who receives the highest number of valid votes in each category, will be deemed the winner of that respective category save for where stated otherwise in these rules.
  • In the event two or more nominees receive the same number of votes , the nominees that have tied in votes will announce joint winners.
  • BIMA may appoint a special committee to preside over and declare a winner for a specific special category.
  • The BIMA committee reserves the right to disqualify any nominee or potential winner if, at any time before or during the Awards, such nominee or potential winner is subject to adverse publicity relating to such nominee’s or potential winner’s involvement in any act which is illegal, or insults or offends community moral standards or public decency and/or if such an occurrence may result in bringing the awards’ credibility to disrepute.
  • The right to disqualify a nominee based on the above grounds shall at all times be at the sole discretion of BIMA.
  • The votes will be audited by a reputable auditing firm.  
  1. Disclaimers
  • BIMA and each of its respective direct or indirect subsidiaries, related and affiliated entities and persons, and each of their respective agents, officers, directors, employees, managers, members, contractors, and their respective successors, licensees and assigns, and any other entity involved in the development, administration, promotion, or implementation of the SMS nomination and voting process and these rules are not responsible for and shall not be liable for: difficulties, failures or malfunctions of phones (including wireless phones/handsets) tablets and/or other devices, phone lines or telephone systems or other communications malfunctions, cellular equipment towers, telephone systems or wireless services; interrupted or unavailable networks, communication or report; traffic congestion or for any technical or other problem which may cause the voting to be disrupted or corrupted.
  • If for any reason the nomination and/or voting is not capable of being executed as planned, or if there is an infection by a virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud or technical or reporting failures, or if any other causes beyond the control of the awards corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this nomination and voting, BIMA reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to take any action they deem necessary and appropriate, including the withdrawal of any vote., but are in no way obligated to do so.
  • The Awards may, but are not obligated to, permanently disqualify any person from voting in the event where the awards believes that the person has intentionally violated these rules.
  • BIMA may terminate or suspend voting at any point and declare the vote results based on the votes up to that point.
  • BIMA may terminate/suspend voting if it appears that the voting process has been so distorted by hacking, failures, errors or other interference that the results would not reflect actual valid votes should the voting continue.
  • In the event of technical or reporting difficulties with any of the nomination and voting methods, including, but not limited to, mobile or internet service interruptions BIMA may in its sole discretion, reserve the right to review the votes for accuracy and to take any action they deem appropriate, including, without limitation, voiding all votes cast during the time period.
  • The Awards and nominees assume no responsibility for any injury or damage to participants or voters or to any person’s phone or mobile device or other property relating to or resulting from entering or downloading materials, applications or software in connection with this vote, or otherwise participating in this nomination and voting.
  • The Awards and nominees are not responsible for telecommunications, network, electronic, technical or computer failures of any kind, for inaccurate transcription or reporting of nomination and voting information, errors in any promotional or marketing materials, for any human or electronic error, or for votes or reports that are stolen, misdirected, garbled, delayed by phone or mobile device transmissions, lost, or late.
  • By participating, each individual agrees to release and hold the nominees and the awards harmless against any and all claims and liabilities of any kind arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, out of such individual’s participation in the nomination and voting.
  • These rules are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the award committee.
  • Notification regarding any such change will be published on the BIMA website. 

 

  1. Service Provider Disclaimers

  1. Voter’s warranty

    The voter, hereby acknowledges and warrants that their use, application and/or vote using the SMS shortcode and/or credit card bundle purchase will not and/or is not tantamount:

  • To intentionally engaging in illegal conduct;
  • To knowingly creating, storing or disseminating any illegal content;
  • To knowingly infringe copyright;
  • To knowingly infringe any intellectual property rights, or
  • To send spam or promote the sending of spam. 
  • Where the voter is minor, the voter acknowledges and warrants that permission from a legal guardian has been obtained to participate in the voting process. 
  1. Conditions for Nominations and Voting
  • By nominating or voting, a nominator/ voter agrees to be bound by the official rules of the Awards.
  • BIMA reserves the right, for any reason and in their sole discretion without any obligation, to modify, suspend or discontinue the voting without prior notice.
  • BIMA reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions of this nomination and voting process at any time in their sole discretion. 
  • By submitting a nomination and/or Vote, you agree to BIMA and/or its third parties to have access to and/or process your personal information.
  1. Dispute Resolution 
  • These rules, and submission of your vote, are governed by, and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
  • The venue for any dispute resolution shall be in Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • In cases involving a potential error in nominee eligibility, voting integrity, or award allocation, the decision of the independent auditor shall be final ad binding unless overturned by BIMA’s Awards Committee following an independent review.
  • In the event of a dispute, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through internal negotiations in good faith. If the dispute cannot be resolved within 15 (fifteen)        days, it will be referred to mediation by an independent third party agreed to by the       If mediation fails to resolve the dispute the matter shall be finally resolved by        arbitration in accordance with the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA). The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties,    and neither party shall have the right to pursue the matter further in any court of law,         except for the purposes of enforcing the arbitration award.
  • Except where prohibited, voters agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with these rules or the award ceremony, including, but not limited to, the determination of the nominees, finalists, or winners, shall be resolved individually.
  • Any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with voting. 
  1. Waiver and Severability  
  • BIMA’s failure to enforce any term of these rules shall not constitute a waiver of any of the provisions of the rules.
  • Should any provision in these rules be deemed void, invalid, illegal, unenforceable or inoperative, such invalid, illegal, unenforceable or inoperative section or provision shall not affect any other section or provision hereof, and the remainder of these rules shall be effective as though such void, invalid, illegal, unenforceable or inoperative section or provision had not been contained herein. 

 

NON-VOTING CATEGORIES 

11.1 The non-voting categories of awards shall be determined by a special panel selected by BIMA and/or material available to the general public insofar as it relates to Most Streamed Female Song award.

11.2  No public nominations and/or voting is available for this category of awards.

11.3  The following criteria shall apply to the  Most Streamed Female Song Award:

11.3.1  The purpose of this special category and award is to acknowledge / provide recognition to the Most Streamed Song composed by a female. 

11.3.2 The award  seeks to highlight the creativity of women with specific attention across the 3 (three) main digital platforms.

11.3.3  The award is determined in respect of streams and/or releases between April of previous year to March of the current year. 

11.3.4  The winner of this category must satisfy all of the 3 (three) following requirements, namely; 

  1. must be a woman (as per the BIMA definition of woman);
  2. must have a minimum of 50% (fifty percent) ownership in the composition of the musical work (song);
  3. The musical work (song) must not be subject to a dispute in respect of the composers or otherwise during the eligibility period.

Inquiries

 Any inquiries related to BIMA and/or official nomination and voting rules may be directed to: info@basadiinmusicawards.co.za

 Terms and Conditions: 

  1. BIMA reserves the right to reasonably extend, shorten, suspend the time period for entry and/or voting and/or terminate the processes for technical, commercial, and/or operational reasons, or for reasons beyond its control.
  2. These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
  3. All nominees and entrants’ consent to periodic compliance and background checks to safeguard the integrity of the Awards.
  4. Copies of these terms and conditions are visible on BIMA website and will be made available to entrants via email on request. It is the sole responsibility of the nominee/s to familiarise themselves with these Rules which BIMA may amend from time to time without notice to the nominee/s.
  5. The nominee/s understand and agree that in order to host the awards, BIMA must collect and use the personal information of the nominee/s. The collection and processing thereof is conducted under the terms of applicable privacy laws.
  6. By submitting the nomination/s, all nominee/s consent to the use of their personal data by the BIMA and/or third party agent of BIMA (“third party”) for the purposes of the administration of this awards and any other purposes to which the nominee/s has consented.
  7. This competition is not open to:

7.1       Persons who are either a director, member, partner, employee or agent of BIMA, any   consultant, agent, sponsor of BIMA, as well as any family members of the BIMA’s employees.

7.2       A supplier of goods or services in connection with the competition. 

8. BIMA shall not be responsible for nominations that are submitted late, incomplete, incorrect, illegible, corrupted or that are damaged, delayed or not received due to technical problems howsoever arising.

9. The nominee/s unconditionally and irrevocably indemnify and hold harmless BIMA and/or third party and its successors, employees, officers, suppliers/service providers, contractors, agents, consultants, directors and shareholders against all and any losses, claims, proceedings, actions, damages (direct, indirect, consequential or of whatsoever nature), liability, demands, expenses, legal costs (on an attorney and own client basis), medical costs, injury or damage to property howsoever arising out of, including from wilful misconduct or negligent acts or omissions on the part of any such person, based upon, or in connection with (directly or indirectly) the nominee/s participation in the competition, to the maximum permitted by law.

10. BIMA and/or third party agent shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses whatsoever which the nominee/s or any other person incurs during and/or for purposes of entry/submission for the awards including the acceptance, receipt and/or use of a prize.

11. BIMA reserves the right to cancel or alter any aspects of the competition at any time and at its sole discretion without any liability whatsoever and howsoever arising.

12. If an entrant contravenes these rules, the entrant may be disqualified from the competition at the sole discretion of BIMA. 

These terms and conditions are subject to change at BIMA’s sole discretion without any communication.