The Basadi in Music Awards is proud to present the Queens of the 90s Legends Gala Dinner, an extraordinary evening dedicated to celebrating the trailblazing women who have shaped South Africa’s cultural and social landscape. This prestigious event, set for 27 March 2025, promises an unforgettable night of reflection, inspiration, and appreciation for the icons whose impact continues to resonate today.
The gala will pay tribute to the legendary queens of the 90s—women whose talent and influence left an indelible mark on music, radio, and television. From chart-topping singers to pioneering broadcasters, these remarkable individuals paved the way for future generations. Their names, their stories, and their legacies deserve to be celebrated and remembered for years to come.
Beyond entertainment, the evening will honour pioneering women who have broken barriers and redefined South Africa’s history. Basadi in Music Awards is proud to celebrate esteemed leaders such as:
- Dr. Naledi Pandor – Former Minister of International Relations
- Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma – Former Minister of Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities
- Felicia Mabuza-Suttle – Television pioneer and talk show host
These visionaries have left an enduring legacy in their respective fields, and the event serves as a heartfelt tribute to their contributions. As we give these phenomenal women their flowers, we ensure they feel the depth of our gratitude and admiration while they can still receive them.
Adding to the nostalgic charm of the evening, Sofnfree will present a showcase of iconic 90s hairstyles, transporting guests back to the golden era of beauty, style, and self-expression.
As part of its commitment to fostering future talent, Basadi in Music Awards will celebrate the first class of interns who have completed their professional development on the platform. These young leaders will receive certificates of completion and letters of recommendation, reinforcing the importance of mentorship, skills transfer, and legacy-building within the industry.
Mrs. Hloni Modise Matau, CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards, shared her thoughts on the occasion: “This gala dinner is more than a celebration of the past—it is a commitment to the future. By honouring these phenomenal women and recognizing the next generation of talent, we highlight the power of mentorship, skills transfer, and collaboration in shaping South Africa’s creative and cultural industries for years to come.”
The Queens of the 90s Legends Gala Dinner is more than just an event—it is a tribute to resilience, excellence, and the enduring power of women’s voices in shaping our nation’s story. Join us as we honour these phenomenal women and celebrate their unparalleled achievements. We say their names, we say their names.
Hon. Matome Chiloane, Gauteng’s MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, expressed his excitement: “Our partnership with Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) is a testament to our commitment to uplifting and celebrating the incredible women who shape our music industry. These awards not only recognize the talent, resilience, and impact of female artists and professionals but also inspire future generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly. It is an honour to stand alongside BIMA in ensuring that the queens of our industry receive the recognition they deserve.”
Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, CEO of Joburg City Theatres, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming Queens of the 90s Legends Gala Dinner: “We are truly ecstatic to pay tribute to the iconic women who defined the 1990s arts landscape. Our collaboration with the Basadi in Music Awards team is a perfect synergy, as we share a common goal of celebrating the arts and honouring the legends who have paved the way for future generations. This gala dinner embodies our vision of connecting stars in the City of Gold. As Johannesburg’s premier arts and entertainment destination, Joburg Theatre is proud to host this spectacular gala, which promises to be an evening of fine dining, captivating performances, and heartfelt tributes. We are delighted to be part of a movement that recognizes and applauds the trailblazing women who have shaped the soundtracks of our lives.”
This prestigious event is made possible through the support of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Joburg Theatre, Sofnfree, Maphike Inc., AC Wines, and JMB Online.
