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
The Guardian 