Daily Archives: June 23, 2026

Celebrating Women Shaping Africa’s Music and Entertainment Industry

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Basadi In Music Awards/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

23 June 2026- Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) is proud to officially announce the nominees for the 2026 edition of the prestigious awards ceremony with Zee Nxumalo leading the pack with six nominations, followed closely by MaWhoo with five nominations. BIMA said the nominations recognise the remarkable achievements of women across the music and entertainment industries and celebrate those who continue to shape Africa’s creative landscape.

BIMA CEO Hloni Modise-Matau said since its inception, BIMA has remained committed to honouring the incredible talent, resilience, innovation and leadership of women who continue to break barriers and redefine excellence throughout Africa’s creative economy. Modise-Matau said this year’s nominees represent a powerful mix of established icons, emerging stars, behind-the-scenes industry professionals, broadcasters, content creators, producers, stylists, choreographers, journalists and artists whose contributions have significantly impacted the industry during the eligibility period.

“The 2026 nominations reflect the diversity and strength of African women in entertainment, with nominees representing South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, eSwatini, Lesotho and beyond. Every year, Basadi in Music Awards shines a spotlight on the extraordinary women who continue to shape, influence and elevate the music and entertainment industry across Africa. 

“The 2026 nominees embody excellence, creativity, resilience and innovation. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and provide a platform that recognises the invaluable contributions women make both on stage and behind the scenes. Congratulations to all the nominees, we look forward to honouring them at this year’s awards,” she said. 

Advisory Board Member, Manaileng Maphike of Maphike Attorneys Inc. said: “The inclusion of Pan-African nominees in this year’s Basadi in Music Awards is a significant milestone that reflects the growing influence of African women in music. The diversity, talent and excellence represented across the nominee list this year is truly inspiring. 

“We are excited to celebrate these phenomenal women and look forward to what promises to be an unforgettable 2026 Awards ceremony.”

OFFICIAL NOMINEES:

VANGUARD CATEGORIES

ARTIST MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Daisy Thato Selebogo (Botswana), Mela Mtimande, Sannah Thwala, Shiran Weltsman, Thuli Kweupile and Vanessa Mazabane

ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Ivie Ani (OkayAfrica / Vanity Fair / Vibe) (Nigeria), Joy Mphande (TimesLive), Lopang Mokae (Newzroom Afrika), Oluthando Keteyi (IOL Entertainment) and Phumi Ramalepe (News24)

ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR

Boipelo Mooketsi (5FM – 5 After Hours), Bolele Polisa (947 – The Frequency), Lebo Maoela (Lesedi FM – Rea Thella Afternoon Drive Show), Lebo Ndiya (Motsweding FM -Megagamola) and Lerato Kganyago (Metro FM – Midday Link-Up)  

ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Letty Nyathela Chili (Ikwekwezi FM – Emthonjeni), Masego (5FM – 5 Drive), Nthabiseng Mamabolo (Radio 2000 -Better together) and Phila Tyekana (Kaya 959 – Drive 959)

ENTERTAINMENT TV PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Dibuseng Meloe (The Morning Show), Minnie Dlamini (Club Bangers – Channel O) and Thapelo Mowela (Morning Live)

HAIRSTYLIST OF THE YEAR

Irene de Fonseca, Jessica Neyasi Chiau (Mozambique), Ntombomzi Lekgoro and Smangele Sibisi

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bokamoso Dikobe, Carol Nleya (Zimbabwe), Nono Linchwe, Renee De Wit and Zamo Dlamini (eSwatini)

PODCAST PRESENTER OF THE YEAR

Anyiko Owoko (VIP Access) (Kenya), Khanyi Mars (Yano Lyrics), Londi London (Read The Room), Relebogile Mabotja (Relebogile Mabotja Podcast) and Yanda Woods (Spreading Humours)

STYLIST OF THE YEAR

Khanyisile Mdletshe, Mamello Makha, Siyamthanda Ndube and Thato Ndzimande 

TV SHOW PRESENTER OF THE YEAR

Candice Modiselle Sello (One Gospel Easter Music Special), Kuhle Adams (Expresso), Nomalanga Shozi (Playlist @ Moloko) and Penny Lebyane (Enklek Let’s Connect) 

MUSIC CATEGORIES

AFRO POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Aya Msani – Sondela, Kelly Khumalo – Nyamezela, Maleh – Khotso Le Lesedi (Lesotho), Nonny Muji – Lo Bhuti, Pretty Masompisi – eKhaya and Phumla Music – Brand New

AMAPIANO ARTIST OF THE YEAR

DBN Gogo, Kamo Mphela, MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter, Nobuhle, Thatohatsi and Zee Nxumalo

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Kharishma, MaWhoo, Mmatema, Nkosazana Daughter, Shandesh, Tyla and Zee Nxumalo

BEST FEMALE FEATURE OF THE YEAR

De Rose – Lutho, Kabza De Small featuring Nontokozo Mkhize & Mthunzi – Siyabonga, Kabza De Small, MDU aka TRP featuring Zawadi Yamungu – Lawuleka, Kelvin Momo featuring Zee_nhle, Mashudu & Mano – Spani Sam, MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay, Jazzworx & Thukuthela featuring Tracy & Thatohatsi – Tholukuthi (Bengicela), Sam Deep and Nia Pearl & Boohle featuring Mano – Shela 

BEST STYLED ARTIST OF THE YEAR

DJ Lamiez, DJ Zinhle, Nia Pearl, Thabsie SA, Uncle Waffles (eSwatini), Zawadi Yamungu and Zee Nxumalo

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

Cici & Naledi Aphiwe – Amen, DJ Zinhle & Thabsie SA – Kusazokhanya, Erin Elliot & Sophia Frank – Birthday Cake, Lwah Ndlukulu & Starr Healer – Allowance, MaWhoo & Zee Nxumalo – Sesamukela and Mamakie Motlogelwa & Mmaausi – Chuku

DANCE MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Babes Wodumo, DJ Zinhle & Liema Pantsi, Kharishma, Shandesh and Uncle Waffles (eSwatini)

DJ OF THE YEAR

DBN Gogo, DJ Lesa, Kasi Duchaz, Kele Megano, LKG and Uncle Waffles (eSwatini)

GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Ada Ehi – Maberumo (Nigeria), Futhi Mhlongo – Phat Igama LikaJesu, HLE – Blessed, Mmatema – Oa Ntwanela and Musa Yende – Kubo Bonke

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Three MECs to table budget votes

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West Provincial Legislature

By STAFF REPORTER

23 June 2026 – The Members of the Executive Council (MECs) for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development and Community Safety and Transport Management will table their departmental Budget Votes on 24 June 2026, at the North West Provincial Legislature.

MEC Bitsa Lenkopane will reflect on key milestones achieved in advancing job creation across the province, as well as the support provided to MSMEs and cooperatives. Lenkopane will further outline significant plans aimed at accelerating economic development, with a strong focus on the biodiversity economy, waste management, investment promotion, business compliance, tourism, revenue enhancement, and other strategic programmes.

These initiatives include targeted skills development interventions aligned with market demands, ensuring that small enterprises and communities are equipped with the capabilities needed to access future employment opportunities and benefit from essential economic services. The Budget Speech will further highlight key strategies to drive inclusive economic growth in the province through the department and its entities during the 2026/27 financial year.

MEC Madoda Sambatha is expected to outline clear priorities to advance agricultural transformation, strengthen food security, and accelerate rural development across the province.

The spotlight will be on targeted interventions to support farmers, improve access to markets, enhance agricultural productivity, and build resilience within the sector.

Attention is expected to be given to empowering young people and women to participate meaningfully in agriculture through skills development, access to funding, mentorship programmes and opportunities for agribusiness growth, positioning the sector as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.

“The address will also provide a comprehensive account of the Department’s performance and progress against its commitments, while outlining measures to protect and grow the livestock industry.

“This comes at a pivotal time as the province battles the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with stakeholders expecting updates on vaccination programmes, disease surveillance and containment measures, biosecurity interventions, and efforts to limit the economic impact on farmers and agricultural value chains,” said Sambatha.

Meanwhile, the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, will outline the department’s policy priorities and programme of action for the year. Morweng will present a budget that will address stumbling blocks in service delivery, in line with the department’s mandate.

“The budget speech will detail plans to improve the efficiency of scholar transport and commuter services. It will set out the blueprint to enhance crime prevention initiatives and the repositioning of the GD Montshioa and Pilanesberg Airports as key drivers of the economy,” said Morweng.

taungdailynews@gmail.com