Rising Star Naledi Aphiwe Reflects on Her Journey Upon Bagging a Basadi In Music Award
At just 17, singer-songwriter Naledi Aphiwe became one of the youngest artists to win a Basadi in Music Award (BIMA), held last month at the Joburg Theatre. Surrounded by music giants and all the glitz and glam, she described that experience as unexpected but deeply motivating to keep pushing forward.
The youngster walked away with the Sofn’Free Afropop Artist of the Year award, a moment she said offered her validation, inspired her confidence, and further encouraged her as an artist.
Upon hearing her name being called out to receive her first award since booming in August last year, the star’s initial reaction was to run up on stage but midway, stopped to compose herself, walked with grace but was still visibly beaming with extreme thrilled.
Naledi Aphiwe | Supplied by BIMA
“I was beyond excited when I heard my name being announced, especially because I was nominated with great industry names, and I am just new here.
“When you are new, there’s a lot of doubt that happens and one never thinks of the amount of influence they have at such an early stage. But this award solidified to me that I am also deserving, I am counted among the rest and that I am recognised as an actual artist that I am working hard to become,” she said.
Aphiwe was also met by her sister, fellow muso Nontokozo Mkhize, on stage who also walked away with her own gong for the Newcomer of the Year – and equally got to perform on the BIMA stage.
About her experience at the awards, she said: “I just couldn’t believe my eyes seeing all those powerful women and rubbing shoulders with them. It was like a dream because at every turn, I was met with amazing talent from Buhlebendalo Mda, mam’Yvonne Chaka Chaka, sis’ Unathi; everything was just surreal and I appreciate every moment of it,” she said.
Naledi Aphiwe | Supplied by BIMA
It was almost around this time last year when a video of herself and fellow schoolmates trended on social media before and was shortly recognised by many including American superstar Chris Brown. That recognition led her to feature on Chris Brown’s 11:11 album and opened up so many doors for the youngster.
Aphiwe released her debut single “Ngiyabonga”, which she intended to be followed-up by her second titled “Ngifuna Wena” released on the 21st of this August 2024.
“Because I am still in school, I want to focus on my studies because getting good grades is also important to me. Those good grades will afford me the opportunity to further my studies in music and drama. For now, I will release singles until I have the time to work on a full-body project. I am just pacing myself for now,” she said.
Listen to “Ngifuna Wena”:
The youngster also attributed her success to her mother, as a way of blessing her even after life. Her mother passed on two years ago in August, 12th, and she highlighted how many good things have happened to her in the month of August. First blowing up and now receiving an award on the eve of her releasing her second single.
“I love music so much and seeing everything play out in this way is truly encouraging that people love me and that my work is being appreciated. And because I have already started with this thing, I might as well continue with it and make people happy,” she said.
*Feature Image supplied by BIMA.