The Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) revealed its 2026 winners across two nights on 8 and 9 August at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking the ceremony’s fifth edition.
Held under the theme REWIND, the event gathered artists, entertainers and industry figures to celebrate women’s contributions to music. Nigerian entertainment journalist Ivie Ani was among the winners on the first night, while South African singer MaWhoo emerged as one of the biggest winners on the second night, taking home Amapiano Artist of the Year and the Highest Airplay Award for her single ‘Bengicela’.
Genre and Craft Awards
- Kelly Khumalo – Afro Pop Artist of the Year
- Zee Nxumalo – Artist of the Year
- Thabsie – Best Styled Artist of the Year
- Nia Pearl and Boohle – Best Female Feature of the Year for ‘Shela’
- Kharishma – Dance Artist of the Year
- DBN Gogo – DJ of the Year
- Anele Zondo – Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
- Judith Sephuma – Jazz Artist of the Year
- Mmatema – Gospel Artist of the Year
- Buhlebendalo – Traditional Artist of the Year
- Ava Like Lava – Pop Artist of the Year
- Cindy Sanyu (Uganda) – Reggae Artist of the Year
- Nothando Hlophe – Song of the Year for ‘Methodist Medley’
- Nonny Muji – Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Songwriter of the Year for ‘Lo Bhuti’
- Janesh Ngwanaka – Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) Most Streamed Song
- Kamo Mphela – Music Video of the Year for ‘Partii’
- Siphiwe Black – Newcomer of the Year
- Lwah Ndlunkulu and Starr Healer – Collaboration of the Year
Special Honours
The International Recognition Award went to American singer and songwriter Monique Bingham, who also performed at the ceremony. Music icons Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai jointly received the G100 Gallo Renaissance Award as Gallo marks its centenary. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane and Esta M. Media personality and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba received the Trailblazer of the Year Award.
Performances and Broadcast
The ceremony featured performances by Kelly Khumalo, Thatohatsi, Monique Bingham, Makhadzi, Lira, Nia Pearl, MaWhoo, Nothando Hlophe and Anele Zondo. Hosting duties were shared by Unathi, Moozlie, Anele Zondo and Lerato Kganyago.
BIMAs founder and chief executive Hloni Modise-Matau said: “REWIND was about honouring where we come from, celebrating how far we have come and making sure the women shaping our future know that they belong. Five years in, Basadi is bigger than an awards ceremony. It is a movement and we are only getting started.”
Joburg City Theatres chief executive Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema added: “Joburg Theatre is proud to stand with Basadi at this milestone. Basadi creates space for women to be seen, celebrated and remembered. REWIND honoured the past while giving us a clear view of the future.”
The ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast on SABC2 on 16 August. Maphike Inc. managing director Manaileng Maphike noted: “Recognition creates visibility, and visibility creates opportunity. Basadi has spent five years building an ecosystem where women’s contribution is acknowledged, celebrated and remembered. REWIND reminded us where we started; now we must build what comes next.”
