South Africa. Basadi in Music Awards 2025 kicked off yesterday at the Joburg Theatre with the Vanguard Awards, a special evening that celebrates the powerful forces behind the music women whose talent, creativity, and influence drive the entertainment industry forward, both on stage and beyond. From artist managers to hairstylists, radio producers and journalists, these women are the heartbeat of the industry. The night was full of glamour, with guests dressing up in beautiful outfits inspired by the theme “Symphony of Harmony: The Four Elements of Nature.”
Two Extraordinary Women Honoured at the Based in Music Awards 2025 Vanguard Night, received top honours for their outstanding impact on their industries and communities. Portia Mngomezulu, the visionary founder and CEO of Portia M Skin Solutions, received the Mosadi in Business Award, presented by Brand South Africa. Portia’s journey from humble beginnings to building one of Africa’s most recognizable skincare brands is a story of purpose, perseverance, and innovation. Her business was inspired by the healing power of Marula oil, which she discovered through a personal family remedy. She turned that discovery into a powerful brand that celebrates African skin and beauty, using natural ingredients that speak to local needs while maintaining global standards.
What began as a small start-up has grown into a trusted skincare name, with products available in major retail stores like Clicks, Pick n Pay, Game, and Shoprite. Despite facing challenges in funding, competition, and visibility, Portia used her strategic mindset, understanding of her audience, and community-focused values to grow her business. Through Portia M, she continues to empower women, redefine beauty, and make high-quality skincare accessible to all.
Bongi Mlotshwa, affectionately known as “Sis Bongi,” was honoured with the Trailblazer of the Year Award for her more than 30 years of excellence in South Africa’s creative and entertainment industries. Widely recognized as one of the country’s most celebrated makeup and beauty professionals, Bongi has shaped the visual identity of South Africa’s most iconic productions including Generations, Uzalo, and The River. Her work has earned her multiple SAFTAs and Royalty Soapie Awards.
As the founder of the Plan B Beauty Team, she has mentored and uplifted countless young artists especially from underprivileged communities helping them build sustainable careers in the entertainment space. From being the first Black makeup artist on shows like Idols SA and SuperSport, to painting the faces of stars such as Boity and Connie Ferguson, Bongi has broken barriers while inspiring others to follow their purpose. Her commitment to empowerment, healing, and transformation through beauty continues to touch lives across South Africa. Whether on set or in mentorship spaces, Bongi’s influence is felt, lived, and shared making her a true trailblazer in every sense of the word.
Here are the winners of the 2025 Vanguard Awards:
• Artist Manager of the Year – Tholsi Pillay
• Makeup Artist of the Year – Nomsa Madida
• Hairstylist of the Year – Tumelo MJ Afrobotique
• Entertainment Journalist of the Year – Mapule Pule
• Choreographer of the Year – Tlhogi Molefi
• Entertainment TV Presenter of the Year – Zanele Potelwa
• Podcast Presenter of the Year – Laconco
• Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year – Lootlove
• Entertainment TV Producer of the Year – Relebogile Mabotja
• Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year – Noni Khumalo
Last night’s first night of the Basadi in Music Awards 2025 was a powerful celebration of women in entertainment, filled with unforgettable performances that lit up the Joburg Theatre stage.
The evening began with a soulful performance by Moneoa, setting the tone for a night filled with emotion and celebration. This was followed by a heartfelt set from the legendary Zama Jobe, whose rich vocals moved the audience deeply. A powerful medley featuring Dyna Steez, Moozlie, Rouge, and Nadia Nakai lit up the stage, highlighting the strength and energy of women in hip hop. The night closed with a beautiful and captivating performance by Babalwa M, leaving the crowd uplifted and inspired. All the artists who graced the stage were shaped, styled, and supported by the very women honoured at the Vanguard Awards from their managers and glam teams to producers and choreographers. These winners are the creative forces who help bring every performance to life, and the show was a true celebration of their impact behind the scenes and beyond.
The celebration continues tonight with Night 2: The Music Awards, where we will honour South Africa’s leading female musicians and performers. Audiences can look forward to more live performances, heartfelt moments, and a night full of music, joy, and recognition of women shaping the sound of our nation.
Hloni Modise-Matau, CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards, reflected on the evening’s success and the evolution of the platform, saying: “What began as a single night of recognition has grown into a two-day celebration of women’s excellence in music and entertainment. This growth mirrors the rising influence of women across the industry not only on stage, but in boardrooms, studios, and creative spaces behind the scenes. Tonight, we honoured the women whose work often goes unseen but is vital to the success of the artists and the industry. Basadi in Music exists to spotlight their talent, their dedication, and the powerful role they play in shaping South Africa’s music landscape.”
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