Basadi in Music Awards 2026 (Full List of Nominees)

The Basadi in Music Awards 2026 has unveiled the list of nominees for this year’s edition.

Marking its fifth edition since its launch in 2021, the Basadi in Music Awards remains the only awards platform in Africa solely dedicated to celebrating the craft, talent, impact, and influence of women shaping the music industry.

This year’s awards boast an impressive 28 categories, 150+ nominees, and two award nights, scheduled to take place on 7 and 8 August 2026 at the Joburg Theatre. The awards celebrate artists across the South African music scene, including Afro-pop, Hip Hop, Amapiano, 3Step, and many more genres.

Full List of Nominees

Artist of the Year

• Kharishma
• Shandesh
• MaWhoo
• Mmatema
• Zee Nxumalo
• Nkosazana Daughter

Song of the Year

• Nothando Hlophe
• Kharishma
• Kamo Mphela
• MaWhoo
• Zee Nxumalo
• Ayra Starr
• Tyla

Collaboration of the Year

• Mamakie Motlogelwa & Mmaausi
• Cici & Naledi Aphiwe
• Erin Elliot & Sophia Frank
• DJ Zinhle & Thabsie SA
• MaWhoo & Zee Nxumalo
• Lwa Ndlukulu & Starr Healer
• Best Female by Feature
• Zawadi Yamungu
• De Rose
• Nia Pearl & Boohle
• MaWhoo
• Mashudu

Music Video of the Year

• Nkosazana Daughter
• Kharishma
• Cici & Naledi Aphiwe
• Pretty Masompisi
• Kamo Mphela
• Tyla
• Ayra Starr

DJ of the Year

• Kele Megano
• LKG
• Kasi Duchaz
• DBN Gogo
• Uncle Waffles
• DJ Lesa

Amapiano Artist of the Year

• DBN Gogo
• Kamo Mphela
• Zee Nxumalo
• MaWhoo
• Thatohatsi
• Nkosazana Daughter

Gospel Artist of the Year

• Mmatema
• Nothando Hlophe
• Musa Yende
• Ada Ehi
• Futhi Mhlongo
• Hle

Traditional Artist of the Year

• Mamakie Motlogelwa & Mmaausi
• Miss Hilary
• Dr Nothembi
• Buhlebendalo
• Thope Tse Khang

Afro Pop Artist of the Year

• Phumla Music
• Aya Msani
• Pretty Masompisi
• Kelly Khumalo
• Maleh
• Nonny Muji

Pop Artist of the Year

• Anica Kiana
• Ava Like Lava
• Erin Elliot
• Sophia Frank
• Shekhinah

Dance Music Artist of the Year

• Shandesh
• Kharishma
• DJ Zinhle & Liema Pantsi
• Babes Wodumo
• Uncle Waffles

Hip Hop Artist of the Year

• Mega Snowflake
• XXC Legacy ft. Mtee
• Rouge ft. Moozlie & Nadia Nakai
• K.Keed
• Bomb$hell Grenade ft. Yo Maps
• Nadia Nakai
• Ney The Bae

Jazz Artist of the Year

• Busigold
• Melorie Jane
• Kearoma Rantao
• Nokuthula Fundama
• Judith Sephuma

Reggae Artist of the Year

• Undefynd Musiq
• Dimahr
• Empress Deevyne
• Cathy Matete
• Cindy Sanye

Newcomer of the Year

• Mafuthi Madondo
• Busigold
• De Rose
• Sakhile
• Siphiwe Black

SAMRO Songwriter of the Year

• Cici ft. Naledi Aphiwe
• Zawadi Yamungu
• Buhlebendalo
• Nonny Muji
• Thando Zide
• Maleh

Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year

• Lebo Maoela
• Boipelo Mooketsi
• Bolele Polisa
• Lerato Kganyago
• Lebo Ndiya

Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year

• Masego “Chresh” Tlhakanye
• Nthabiseng Mamabolo
• Letty Nyathela Chili
• Phila Tyekana

Entertainment TV Producer of the Year

• Minnie Dlamini
• Thapelo Mowela
• Dibuseng Meloe

TV Show Presenter of the Year

• Kuhle Adams
• Penny Lebyane
• Candice Modiselle Sello
• Nomalanga Shozi

Podcast Presenter of the Year

• Londi London
• Yanda Woods
• Khanyi Mars
• Relebogile Mabotja
• Anyiko Owoko

Best Styled Artist of the Year

• Uncle Waffles
• Thabsie SA
• Nia Pearl
• Zawadi Yamungu
• DJ Zinhle
• Zee Nxumalo

Stylist of the Year

• Siyamthanda Ncube
• Thato Ndzimande (The Gmni)
• Khanyisile Mdletshe
• Mamello Makha

Makeup Artist of the Year

• Renee De Wit
• Bokamoso Dikobe
• Zamo Dlamini
• Nono Linchwe
• Carol Nleya

Hairstylist of the Year

• Ntombomzi Lekgoro
• Smangele Sibisi
• Irene de Fonseca
• Jessica Nevasi Chiuu

Artist Manager of the Year

• Vanessa Mazabane
• Sannah Thwala
• Daisy Thato Selebogo
• Mela Mfimande
• Shiran Weltsman

You can vote for your favourite artist each each category here. Please note that each voting cost R1.5