Basadi in Music Awards expansion gives Batswana eligibility
staff writer | Monday May 25, 2026 06:00
In the new development, fans in the country and beyond are invited to participate in the nomination process by nominating local female musicians. The organisers of the awards have revealed that this will reinforce BIMA’s position as an inclusive and globally accessible platform. “As we mark five years of Basadi in Music Awards, we are proud to witness its evolution from a national initiative into a powerful continental movement. The opening of nominations for 2026 is not only the beginning of a new awards cycle, but a continued commitment to recognising and celebrating the women shaping Africa’s music industry and its global influence,” the organisers revealed in a press statement.
The CEO of Joburg City Theatres, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, said they can extend this impact even further by using their world-class platform, audiences, and reach to amplify these stories beyond borders. “The theatre serves as a cultural gateway, connecting African talent to international audiences and positioning Basadi in Music Awards as a globally relevant celebration of excellence. This year’s expansion across the continent is a deliberate step toward greater inclusion and representation. We are creating a space where every woman in music can be seen, heard, and honoured, while ensuring their voices resonate on a global stage,” Nduneni- Ngema added.
At its core, the awards remain rooted in community participation. Built on the principle of “for the people, by the people”, BIMA empowers the public to recognise and elevate women who are shaping the industry.
“Africa’s story is told through its people, and the women in this industry are among its most powerful narrators. For the second consecutive year, Black Mobile is proud to support Basadi at the Music Awards. By powering the SMS platform across borders, we are expanding access and enabling broader participation across the continent,” CEO of Black Mobile Leroy Lyon Monaheng said.
BIMA organisers also announced that nominations for the 2026 edition are now open, marking a major milestone as the awards celebrate five years of honouring women across the music and entertainment industry.
Nominations will close on 30 May 2026 at 23:59 CAT. “Opening nominations each year is a defining moment for us. It signals not only the start of awards season, but the continued growth of a movement that uplifts and recognises women across every corner of the music industry. As we expand across Africa and invite global participation, we are building a platform that is inclusive, representative and forward-looking,” CEO and Founder of BIMA Hloni Modise Matau disclosed. Following its successful introduction, the two-night awards format returns for 2026.
More than an awards ceremony, BIMA is a cultural movement that creates opportunities, drives visibility, and champions the advancement of women in music across Africa and beyond.
“As legal representatives and partners of Basadi in Music Awards, we are proud to support a platform that is not only celebrating excellence but actively reshaping the landscape for women in the entertainment industry. The expansion of BIMA across Africa reflects a necessary and timely shift toward greater inclusion, protection, and recognition of women’s intellectual property, creative rights and economic participation. At Maphike Attorneys Inc, we remain committed to safeguarding the interests of women in entertainment while enabling platforms such as BIMA to grow with integrity, transparency and lasting impact across the continent,” Managing Director of Maphike Attorneys Inc, Manaileng Maphike said.
Now in its fifth year, BIMA continues to stand as a powerful platform celebrating the excellence, impact and influence of women across the music ecosystem. From artists and DJs to radio producers, television presenters, journalists, and artist managers, BIMA recognises the women shaping Africa’s cultural and creative landscape.