Johannesburg, South Africa Basadi in Music Awards is proud to announce that nominations for its 2026 edition will officially open on 30 April 2026, marking a major milestone as the platform celebrates Year Five of recognising, celebrating, and amplifying women in music.
In a landmark moment for the Awards, the 2026 edition will begin its Pan-African expansion, opening selected categories to participation from across the African continent. This marks the next chapter in the awards evolution from a national recognition platform into a continental movement celebrating the women shaping Africa’s music ecosystem.
While South Africa remains the home and anchor of the Awards, this expansion creates new pathways for collaboration, visibility, and cultural exchange between women artists, creators, producers, business leaders, and industry stakeholders across Africa.
Nominations will run from 30 April 2026 to 30 May 2026, inviting the public, music industry professionals, and stakeholders to nominate their favourite candidates in a movement that is truly for the people, by the people.
Over the past five years, Basadi in Music Awards has grown into a powerful cultural platform, spotlighting excellence across a wide range of categories including artistry, production, business, leadership, and cultural impact.
Founder and CEO of Basadi in Music Awards, Mrs Hloni Modise Matau, said:
“As we mark Year Five of Basadi in Music Awards, this moment is deeply meaningful for us. Expanding to include Pan-African participation is a natural evolution of our vision to create a platform that not only recognises South African talent, but also celebrates the incredible women shaping music across the continent. We encourage everyone to take part by nominating their favourite candidate and making their voices heard.”
Nominations will be open to the public via the official SMS platform and Basadi in Music Awards website: www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za, giving fans the opportunity to support and celebrate their favourite candidates.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: 30 April 2026 00:01 CAT
Nominations Close: 30 May 2026 23:59 CAT
The 2026 awards season will once again culminate in a highly anticipated celebration, bringing together industry leaders, creatives, artists, and fans from across the continent to honour the remarkable contributions of women in music.
Further announcements, including nominees, hosts, participating categories, and event details, will be revealed in the coming months.
Audiences are encouraged to stay connected to the official Basadi in Music Awards website and social media platforms for the latest updates, announcements, and nomination details as the campaign unfolds.
Basadi in Music Awards is a leading platform dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in the music industry. Now in its fifth year, the Awards continue to uplift, empower, and create meaningful visibility for women shaping the cultural landscape through music across Africa.
