With just three days remaining before public voting closes, the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) has officially surpassed 150,000 public votes, making the 2026 edition the largest public voting campaign in the history of the awards.
The remarkable milestone marks another defining moment for the Basadi in Music Awards as it celebrates five years of recognising and amplifying the voices of women in music while expanding its impact across the African continent.
Since its inception, BIMA has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms dedicated to celebrating the talent, resilience, innovation and leadership of women across the music and entertainment industry. From chart-topping artists and producers to broadcasters, journalists, choreographers, stylists, DJs, content creators and executives, the awards honour the women whose contributions continue to shape Africa’s cultural landscape.
This year’s nominees reflect the richness and diversity of African creativity, with finalists representing South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Eswatini, Lesotho and beyond.
Basadi in Music Awards CEO and Founder, Hloni Modise Matau, said: “Reaching more than 150,000 public votes is an incredible milestone for the Basadi in Music Awards and a testament to the growing belief in our vision. What began as a platform to celebrate women in South African music has evolved into a Pan-African movement that honours the extraordinary women shaping the soundtrack of our continent. Every vote is a powerful statement of recognition, appreciation and support for these remarkable women. As we celebrate five years of the Basadi in Music Awards, we invite everyone to make these final three days count by voting for the nominees who have inspired them through their talent, creativity and excellence. Together, we are not only crowning winners—we are writing another chapter in African music history.”
Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres, Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema, said: “Joburg City Theatres is proud to once again partner with the Basadi in Music Awards as the home of this remarkable celebration of African women in music. Surpassing 150,000 public votes demonstrates the passion and commitment audiences have for recognising female excellence. As a theatre dedicated to showcasing stories that inspire and unite communities, we are honoured to welcome artists, creatives and supporters from across the continent as we celebrate five years of the Basadi in Music Awards and its growing Pan-African impact.”
Managing Director of Maphike Inc. and member of the Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board, Manaileng Maphike, said: “The remarkable milestone of more than 150,000 public votes demonstrates the trust and enthusiasm that audiences have for the Basadi in Music Awards. As Maphike Inc., we are proud to serve as the legal partner of an initiative that champions fairness, excellence and the recognition of women across the music value chain. It is equally an honour to contribute as a member of the Advisory Board, supporting a platform that is creating meaningful opportunities, preserving legacies and inspiring the next generation of African women in music.”
“At SABC 2, we believe that audiences are not just viewers, but active participants in shaping our cultural landscape. The Basadi in Music Awards gives South Africans and audiences across the continent the power to recognise and celebrate the women whose talent, creativity and influence continue to inspire us. As voting enters its final days, we encourage everyone to make their voice count and help honour the artists and industry leaders who have made a meaningful impact through their work.” Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager: Video Entertainment, SABC
