Basadi in Music Awards 2024: Celebrating Women’s Impact on Mzansi’s Entertainment Industry
Mzansi’s entertainment scene was abuzz this weekend, headlined by two major events. Among them, the Basadi in Music Awards (#BIMA) lit up the historic Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, shining a spotlight on the incredible women shaping the music industry.
Marking its third installment since inception in 2022, the awards ceremony shone through with fashion, music, and a lot of sisterhood as Mzansi commemorated Women’s Day the day prior. Under the theme “Girl in the Mirror: Our Reflexion,” the night was hosted by media maestro Unathi Nkayi while the witty Nina Hastie held down the red carpet, celebrating the star-studded affair.
Onto the awards, the formidable DJ Zinhle walked away the biggest winner of the night, bagging three awards to her name, namely DJ of the Year, Collaboration of the Year for her hit song Mdali with Basetsana, and the coveted Trailblazer Award.
Accepting the trailblazer award, the star said: “Yesterday we celebrated 20 years of DJ Zinhle, and my mom was there from the beginning to the end of the end. I am so happy she is here,” she said with her mom on stage with her.
“When I was on stage yesterday, performing all the songs that I recorded over the years, I realized that I actually collaborated with some of the most powerful voices in the entertainment industry. I’ve always wanted to work with women, and they are the reason I am standing here today. I sometimes wouldn’t believe in myself, but these women allow me to express my artistry and creativity in the studio,” she said, thanking those ladies for their contribution.
The entrepreneur also said her wins should also be a testament that anything is possible.
“A lot of the things that I do are not guaranteed to succeed. Most of the things I have done have failed, but I fail forward and learn. So stop being so hard on yourself and just keep trying. We don’t have it all figured out, so just take some time off to take care of yourself and just be kind to yourself,” she added.
Vying for the runner-up spot, global star Tyla took home three awards, her hit song Water securing both Song of the Year and Song with the Highest Airplay accolades while tying a joint winner with local superstar Makhadzi for the International Achievement Award.
Makhadzi’s winning streak did not stop there, as she also claimed Dance Artist of the Year, coming shoulder-to-shoulder with Lwah Ndlunkulu, who walked away with the Artist of the Year and CAPASSO Most Streamed Song for Ngiyeza.
Makhadzi said, “Thank you so much for voting and loving me. I’m not good at speaking, but I am good at sweating, and I want to remind everyone that we must always respect God.
“I always call myself a miracle baby, from the streets of Limpopo to the BET to Basadi. When I started everything, they thought I was not normal, but today I am here,” she said in celebration.
Kamo Mphela also walked away with two awards of the night, securing the Amapiano Artist of the Year gong and the Music Video of the Year for her hit single Dalie.
Her father received the award on behalf of her daughter, also expressing great pride in Kamo’s success. He also shared some words of wisdom with parents to always support their children. Always.
The evening was also dedicated to honoring outstanding women in various fields, which saw Zamo and Lady Du receive the CEO Mosadi in Business Award for their entrepreneurial success.
Another important award was given to Dr. Linah Ebony Ngcobo and Mercy Pakela, being recognized as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients for their impact on the music industry. The Spar Humanitarian Award went to Matshidiso Seruwe of Refilwe Legae Home for her exceptional humanitarian efforts.
The success of the awards was also bolstered by the outstanding performances from a diverse range of artists; opening up the night were Amanda Black, Skye Wanda, and Mmatema, while DJ Kmatt sealed off the successful night with a high-energy set.
Other performances worth nothing came from Lady Du, Nadia Nakai, Pixie Whip, Lady Zamar, Bucie, Naledi Aphiwe, Nontokozo, Chubby Cheeks, and a poignant In Memoriam tribute by Buhlebendalo Mda and Qaqamba Ntshinka.
Joburg Thatre’s CEO Xoliswa Nduneni praised the awards, saying that BIMA showcases the power of women to create positive change.
“The energy in the theatre was electric, and it was a privilege to witness history in the making. BIMA contributes significantly to the cultural landscape of our city. It’s inspiring to see the impact these women have on their fans and the broader community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with BIMA and supporting the growth of this incredible platform for women in the entertainment industry.”
The awards’ CEO, Hloni Modise-Matau, said: “Last night was a testament to the power of women in shaping our nation’s cultural landscape. The energy in the room was electric. To witness the joy and pride on the faces of the winners was truly inspiring, as was witnessing the outpouring of support and enthusiasm from the industry and the public. BIMA is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a movement that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of women in music. We are committed to growing BIMA into an even bigger and more impactful platform to amplify female voices.”
The 2024 Awards ceremony will be broadcasted on SABC 2 on 18 August 2024.
The full list of winners can be found below:
- Artist of the Year: Lwah Ndlunkulu
- Amapiano Artist of the Year: Kamo Mphela
- Sofn’Free Afropop Artist of the Year: Naledi Aphiwe
- Collaboration of the Year: Mdali – DJ Zinhle feat. Basetsana
- Dance Artist of the Year: Makhadzi
- DJ of the Year: DJ Zinhle
- Gospel Artist of the Year: Zaza Mokhethi
- Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: Dyna Steez
- Jazz Artist of the Year: Salphina Kadiaka
- Entertainment Journalist of the Year: Mbalenhle Zuma
- Music Video of the Year: Dalie – Kamo Mphela feat. Khalil Harrison, Tyler ICU, and Baby SOON
- Newcomer of the Year: Nontokozo Mkhize
- Pop Artist of the Year: Shekinah
- Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year: Mroza Buthelezi
- Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year: Nelza Buda
- Reggae Artist of the Year: Reign Afrika
- Song of the Year: Water (Tyla
- Songwriter of the Year: Brenda Mtambo
- Best Styled Artist of the Year: Thembi Seete
- Traditional Artist of the Year: Pleasure Tsa Manyalo
- Entertainment TV Presenter of the Year: Robyn Nakaambo
- Entertainment TV Producer of the Year: Noni Khumalo
Non-Voting Categories
- CEO Mosadi in Business Award: Zamo and Lady Du
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Linah Ebony Ngcobo and Mercy Pakela
- Spar Humanitarian Award: Matshidiso Seruwe—Refilwe Legae Home
- Song with the Highest Airplay: Water by Tyla
- CAPASSO Most Streamed Song: Lwah Ndlunkulu-Ngiyeza
- International Achievement Award: Tyla and Makhadzi
- Trailblazer Award: DJ Zinhle
#BasadiInMusicAwards2024 #GirlInTheMirror