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.”
Pictures Link
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
