The Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) marked its fifth edition on 7 and 8 August 2026 at the Joburg Theatre, introducing Pan-African and international recognition categories for the first time as part of its Women’s Month celebration.
Fifth Edition Format and Emerging Talent
The two-day event opened with a Gold Carpet hosted by a rotating team of media personalities: Mutondini Mukodamani, Nina Hastie, Marcus Molemane and Thato Joy. Attendees included Minnie Dlamini and Lady Zamar.
A theatre foyer showcase gave a platform to emerging artists:
- Inna G
- Witney
- Refilwe
- Bad Milk
- Sakhile
- Billion
- Money Badoo
- Siibu
The first segment of the awards recognised behind-the-scenes professionals, with categories for presenters, producers, stylists and make-up artists.
BIMAs founding CEO Hloni Modise credited the event’s support network. “This year is all about the spirit of community. If it were not for the spirit of community, this event would have not happened… The ladies stepped up for the movement,” she said.
Main Stage Performances
The main stage featured performances by Lira, Monique Bingham, Makhadzi, Kelly Khumalo, MaWhoo, Nia Pearl, Nothando Hlophe, Thatohatsi and Anele Zondo. Makhadzi’s performance of ‘Tsotsi’ drew a strong audience response, while gospel singer Nothando Hlophe delivered an intimate set that prompted a collective singalong.
Continental Expansion and Honours
Modise said the organisation had sought to broaden the awards beyond South Africa. “This year we wanted to open up a different dimension of Basadi in Music Awards. BIMAs were never just a South African thing. The vision was to step outside of the South African borders,” she said.
That ambition was reflected in the introduction of international and Pan-African recognition categories. American-born singer Monique Bingham received the International Recognition Award, while Ugandan musician Cindy Sanyu was recognised with the Pan-African Award.
The Gallo Renaissance Award honoured Thandiswa Mazwai and Simphiwe Dana for their contributions to South Africa’s musical and cultural heritage.
Accepting her award, Mazwai acknowledged the women who influenced her career and the emerging artists who would carry African music forward. “I come from a long school of great women whose shoulders I stand on. People like Miriam Makeba, Busi Mhlongo and Letta Mbulu,” she said.
She added: “In this room are some of the great up-and-coming legendary children who will take our story forward. And I’m so honoured to be in this room with all of you for our names to be called together when history remembers what the women of this time did.”
