The much-anticipated Basadi in Music Awards has officially commenced, ushering in its fourth year of celebrating and empowering women in the music industry.
Known for its unwavering commitment to recognising female talent, the awards this year take a significant step forward by introducing a wider array of categories aimed at honouring a broader spectrum of women contributors in various entertainment sectors.
In efforts to spotlight more creative professionals, the 2025 edition will include categories such as Manager of the Year, Makeup Artist of the Year, Podcast Presenter of the Year, and Choreographer of the Year, among others.
This expansion reflects the evolving landscape of the music and entertainment industry and underscores the crucial roles women play beyond performance.
Hloni Modise Matau, CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards, expressed her excitement for this year's event:
“These awards celebrate female excellence in the music industry. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done. Big things happen when women support each other. This is for all queens with big dreams who may be hesitant—I want them to see that achieving greatness is possible.”
Partnerships are vital to the success of any awards event, and this year's Basadi in Music Awards proudly welcomes Black Mobile as its technical partner. The collaboration promises a seamless and innovative digital experience for all participants, paving the way for more inclusive engagement in the awards process.
Xoliswa Nduneni, CEO of Joburg Theatre, reiterated the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the arts, stating, “The stage was once limited in its representation of our country’s diversity. We have worked hard to transform our theatres into spaces that welcome all voices, and the Basadi in Music Awards is a shining example of that commitment.”
Moreover, the synergy between music and beauty is highlighted by Lerato Selepe Tikwayo, Marketing Manager of Sofnfree, who emphasized the brand's ongoing support: "Music and beauty go hand in hand, and Sofnfree is proud to support an initiative that uplifts and honours the incredible women shaping the industry. We are thrilled to return as partners for the fourth year—this is more than an awards show; it’s a movement.”
Addressing the broader impact of the awards, Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Inc., stated, “Empowering women in the music industry is not just about recognition—it’s about creating lasting change. The Basadi in Music Awards is a powerful platform that amplifies the voices of women shaping the future of music and entertainment.”
Nominations for the awards have opened from May 12, 2025 to midnight on 30 May 2025, allowing fans and industry insiders alike to participate in recognising their favourite talent. Each nomination will carry a fee of R1.50, with a requirement for online nominations to secure a minimum of ten votes, ensuring a fair and engaged voting process.
Participants can also submit nominations through various methods: by SMS, simply send the category name along with your nominee’s name to 36391, with no limits on nominations allowed.
Saturday Star