African women music luminaries honoured in style at the weekend in Johannesburg
The fashion on display, was not just a statement of class, though that was also so, but also a display of how and why African women in music, radio and TV aspire to shift stifling positionalities in society, where the struggle to move to the centre where decisions affecting them are often made by men, is a constant and real one.
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
Often when it comes to fashion and style, African women generally are often regarded as among leaders on the Globe, pioneering new styles and fashion trends. Women musicians and those found in the entertainment sector, such as radio and TV, in particular, are especially highly regarded for their sophisticated taste in style, competing very well with those from the rest of the world.
This fact was confirmed at the weekend at Joburg Theatre, where the fifth Basadi in Music Awards took place, where those who graced the occasion had an opportunity to display their latest fashion trends and style.
But the women I saw on Friday, it appeared, were not just about fashion display. They were about more than that.
For many of them, the way they carried themselves, walked and interacted with each other, they did it with so much class and confidence, it was as if they were reclaiming lost power as a result of challenges facing women folk on the African continent, including in post-Apartheid South Africa. It was as if they were announcing that they were here and here to take their roles in society, even as they face numerous challenges, such as the scourge of Gender Based Violence, pay disparities between men and women for paid labour and current various marginalities they face in various spheres of society where men dominate as leaders and decision makers.
The fashion on display, was not just a statement of class, though that was also so, but also a display of how and why African women in music, radio and TV aspire to shift stifling positionalities in society, where the struggle to move to the centre where decisions affecting them are often made by men, is a constant and real one.
I saw how the women who turned up for these awards, both as guests and those vying for top honours, expressed their aspirations to lead in society through their bold dress sense and the confidence they exuded, as they filled into the Joburg Theatre auditorium, with their heads raised high up.
The award ceremony took place over two days-Friday, August 7, 2026, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, to accommodate the large number of those who were to be honoured as well as guests who went to support them during their moment of triumph.
It was a revealing experience being among these women, different kind of women who obviously appreciate fashion and elegance, but also exuded the confidence to go with it.
Of course,this was an award ceremony, and not a fashion parade, after all, and therefore, both those who play roles backstage and those who are performers at the front of a show, were handsomely recognised and awarded for raising the African music map high up.
“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,” says Hloni Modise, Founder and CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards.“Our fifth anniversary is an important moment because we are looking at where Basadi has come from, but also where we are going.
Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Inc. and member of the Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board, said the significance of the awards lies in creating visibility for excellence across the entire entertainment value chain.“There is power in being seen. These women have built careers, created opportunities and contributed to an industry that continues to evolve. What makes this moment particularly significant is that we are beginning to see African excellence through a continental lens. We are no longer asking whether women from different countries belong in the same conversation. We know that they do.”
Friday winners
Artist Manager of the Year
Sannah Thwala
Entertainment Journalist of the Year
Ivie Ani Nigeria
Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year
Boipelo Mooketsi
Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year
Letty Nyathela Chili
Hairstylist of the Year
Smangele Sibisi
Makeup Artist of the Year
Zamo Dlamini
TV Show presenter of the Year
Candice Modiselle
Stylist of the Year
Khanyisile Mdletshe
Entertainment TV Producer of the Year
Minnie Dlamini
Podcast Presenter of the Year
Khanyi Mars
Saturday winners
Afro Pop Artist of the Year
Kelly Khumalo
Amapiano Artist of the Year
MaWhoo
Artist of the Year
Zee Nxumalo
Best Female Feature of the Year
Nia Pearl & Boohle
Best Styled Artist of the Year
Thabsie
CAPASSO Most Streamed Song
Janesh
Collaboration of the Year
Lwah Ndlunkulu & Starr Healer
Dance Artist of the Year
Kharishma
DJ of the Year
DBN Gogo
Gospel Artist of the Year
Mmatema
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Anele Zondo
Jazz Artist of the Year
Judith Sephuma
Music Video of the Year
Kamo Mphela : Parti
Newcomer of the Year
Siphiwe Black
Pop Artist of the Year
Ava Like Lava
Reggae Artist of the Year
Cindy Sanyu (Uganda)
Song of the Year
Nothando Hlophe : Methodist Medley
SAMRO Songwriter of the Year
Nonny Muji
Traditional Artist of the Year
Buhlebendalo
Highest Airplay Award
MaWhoo
International Recognition Award
Monique Bingham
G100 Gallo Renaissance Award
Simphiwe Dana
G100 Gallo Renaissance Award
Thandiswa Mazwai
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Nothembi
Lifetime Achievement Award
Esta M
Trailblazer of the Year
Bonang Matheba