Nigerian entertainment journalist Ivie Ani was named Entertainment Journalist of the Year during the first night of the fifth annual Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) on 8 August 2026 at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg.
The ceremony, held under the anniversary theme “REWIND Your BIMA, Your Way,” concentrated on professionals working across the entertainment value chain, including artist management, journalism, radio, television, beauty, fashion and podcasting. Ani’s win underscored the awards’ increasingly Pan-African character, as women from across the continent now feature in the programme.
“Africa has never lacked talent. What we have needed are more platforms that allow us to see that talent, connect it and celebrate it collectively,” said BIMAs founder and chief executive Hloni Modise.
Modise noted that the fifth anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the awards’ development while considering their future direction.
“There is power in being seen. These women have built careers, created opportunities and contributed to an industry that continues to evolve,” said Manaileng Maphike, managing director of Maphike Inc. and a member of the Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board.
Other winners on the night included:
- Sannah Thwala – Artist Manager of the Year
- Boipelo Mooketsi – Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year
- Letty Nyathela Chili – Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year
- Smangele Sibisi – Hairstylist of the Year
- Zamo Dlamini – Makeup Artist of the Year
- Candice Modiselle – TV Show Presenter of the Year
- Khanyisile Mdletshe – Stylist of the Year
- Minnie Dlamini – Entertainment TV Producer of the Year
- Khanyi Mars – Podcast Presenter of the Year
