Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) is back for its second instalment after a memorable debut in 2022. Founded by entertainment maven Hloni Modise-Matau, Basadi in Music Awards exclusively honours South African women in music.
 
This year, Nando’s, South Africa’s favourite PERi-PERi chicken restaurant brand, fans the flames, coming onboard as a sponsor to introduce a new category: the Emerging Artist of the Year. The brand, known as much for its wit as its chicken, embarks on a search for the next big thing in music.
 
The five Emerging Artist nominees will be selected by Nando’s music partner, Bridges For Music. The nominations will then be open to the public for voting. The winner’s prizes include a music bursary at the Bridges Academy valued at R100 000, and an industry mentorship – tools to help the winner to embark on the next step in their music career.
 
Basadi in Music Awards extend beyond the microphone to honour music journalists, broadcasters and stylists. The first event, hosted at Gallagher Convention Centre on 15 October 2022, hosted by Anele “Ney the Bae” Zondo and Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena, was a phenomenal success. It was a glamorous red-carpet affair with the dress theme of ball gowns, tiaras and sneakers.
 
The inaugural Basadi in Music Awards event culminated with the acknowledgement of women in music who have shattered glass ceilings. Notable winners included Boohle (Sampra Amapiano Artist of the Year), Phumla Music (Kaya959 Afropop Artist of the Year), Lizwi (Sofnfree Dance Artist of the Year), Zodwa Mabena (AC Wines Jazz Artist of the Year) and Skye Wanda (SAMRO Songwriter of the Year).
 
Mam’ Abigail Kubeka and Mam’ Yvonne Chaka Chaka were presented with Lifetime Achievement awards.
 
#BasadiInMusicAwards2023 will take place in August 2023. Nominations will open on Wednesday, 19 April 2023, across 24 categories. Nominations for the Nando’s Emerging Artist of the Year category will be facilitated through the Bridges For Music online and social platforms.
 
Nando’s Marketing Manager: Creativity Portfolio, Kirsty Niehaus: “Nando’s Creativity is excited to partner with Basadi in Music Awards this year as it’s a platform that really speaks to the heart of what we’re about – nurturing and showcasing southern African talent. Since 2018, we have focused on developing emerging artists, along with our music partner, Bridges For Music, because we believe there’s a need to create pathways for South Africa’s next generation of musical talents to enter the industry, particularly women. We look forward to shining a light on some rising stars at this year’s Basadi in Music Awards event.”
 
BIMA CEO Hloni Modise-Matau: “We are delighted to announce the second year of Basadi in Music Awards. The first edition was awe-inspiring and the support we received was overwhelming. We are ready and raring to go in 2023. We also welcome Nando’s into Basadi in Music Awards family. Our partnership is a natural fit as they are expanding their efforts to showcase the best South Africa has to offer. With artist development at the forefront of Nando’s creative development efforts and their partnership with Bridges For Music, I am confident that together we will be able to support emerging talents and offer them a suitable platform to showcase their gifts.
“We are incredibly excited about this partnership and even more thrilled about the second annual Basadi in Music Awards. We are back, better than before and urge the public to follow our social media pages for updates about nominations, the main event and all other awards news.”