Legendary singer and multiple Grammy Awards winner, Angélique Kidjo, also received a Lifetime Achievement award for her outstanding contribution to the music industry.
By Helena Olori
Winners for the second edition of the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) – which recognises the exceptional talent and contributions of women in music – have been announced at the 2023 award night held at the Joburg Theatre in South Africa on Saturday, 12 August.
Themed “African Royalty and Sneakers,” this year’s award recognised 37 recipients in various categories, with 26 winners selected through public votes.
Among the notable achievers of the night, Inkabi Records’ signee, Lwah Ndlunkulu stood out, bagging two of the most coveted awards – Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year – from the four categories in which she was nominated.
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Sensational South African singer, Kelly Khumalo, clinched the award for Afro-Pop Artiste of the Year while Khanyisa Jaceni earned the spotlight as the Sofnfree Amapiano Artiste of the Year.
Other notable wins include the Qwabe Twins being voted as the Duo/Collaboration of the Year. Their song, “Sobonana,” also won the award for “Most Streamed Song.” Nadia Nakai took home the award for Hip-Hop Artiste of the Year, while Ntokozo Mbambo and Noluthando Ngemaa were named Gospel Artiste of the Year and Emerging Artiste of the Year, respectively.
The awards, which cut across several music industries on the continent, also presented the Mosadi in Music in Africa Award to Nigerian Afrobeats artiste and Mavin Records star, Arya Starr, Berita (Zimbabwe), Maleh (Lesotho), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), and Ghanaian singer, Sefa. Similarly, legendary singer and multiple Grammy Awards winner, Angélique Kidjo, received the Lifetime Achievement award, alongside South African stars, Letta Mbulu and PJ Powers (South Africa) for their “outstanding artistic significance in the music industry.”
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According to BIMAs CEO, Hloni Modise-Matau, “The second Basadi in Music Awards was an incredible success echoing women’s profound impact in the music and entertainment industry” […] This event showcased industry creativity and strength while acknowledging the often-unnoticed dedication of women behind the scenes.”
The awards night, hosted by South African actress, Khanyi Mbau, brought together industry players and artistes from across the continent and featured electrifying performances by Maleh, Msaki, Mpho Sebina, Cici, and a host of others.
The Basadi in Music Awards, founded in 2022, is an annual celebration of female talent in Africa’s music industry. It recognises their achievements and contributions as singers, songwriters, producers, rappers, DJs, stylists, and other creative aspects of the music industry.
See the complete list of nominees and winners here.