“I have won best female DJ in Africa for 4 years in a row but never won an award for being a DJ in South Africa…”
DJ Zinhle and Tyla were the biggest winners at the third instalment of Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) held at the iconic Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday.
The third annual Basadi In Music Awards – unwavering in its mission to honour the women who are the driving force behind the music -from the powerhouse vocals that grace the stage to the creative minds crafting the hits, BIMA celebrated singers, rappers, DJs, composers, producers, writers and creatives.
The glittering awards ceremony boasting cutting edge technology and pyrotechnics – hosted by media personality, Unathi Nkayi featured an exceptional opening performance by Mmatema, Amanda Black and Sky Wanda. The guest presenters were an array of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. In addition to an array of nominees the red carpet was buzzing with the brightest names in the entertainment industry – Cici, Andile Gaelisiwe, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lethabo lejoy, Nina Haste and Mpumi Mlambo to name a few.
This year’s theme, ‘Girl in the Mirror – Our Re.Flexion’ was all about celebrating the power and diversity of women in music and that diversity extends beyond borders. ‘Girl in the Mirror – Our Re.Flexion’ underscores the importance of introspection and growth, qualities that women in the music and entertainment industry embody so perfectly.
DJ Zinhle and Tyla scooped three awards each, with DJ Zinhle clinching DJ of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and the coveted Trailblazer gongs.
“I have won best female DJ in Africa for 4 years in a row but never won an award for being a DJ in South Africa, this is my first one”, said DJ Zinhle.
International sensation Tyla received the International Achievement Award in addition to her hit song ‘Water’ winning both Song of the Year and Song with the Highest Airplay accolades.
Inkabi Nation first lady Lwah Ndlunkulu and Makhadzi each took home two awards. Lwah Ndlunkulu won Artist of the Year and CAPASSO Most Streamed Song for ‘Ngiyeza’, while Limpopo Queen Makhadzi took home Dance Artist of the Year and the International Achievement Award. Kamo Mphela also walked away with two awards in the Amapiano Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories.
Media personality Unathi Nkayi knocked it out of the park hosting the prestigious awards, it’s safe to say that she ate and left no crumbs. She had the entire crowd eating out of the palm of her hands. She understood the assignment.
Zamo and Lady Du were honoured with the CEO Mosadi in Business Award for their impressive entrepreneurial achievements, while Linah Ebony Ngcobo and Mercy Pakela received the Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to the music industry. The Spar Humanitarian Award was presented to Matshidiso Seruwe of Refilwe Legae Home for her outstanding humanitarian work.
The ceremony featured electrifying performances from Amanda Black, Skye Wanda and Mmatema, while DJ Kmatt closed the show with a high-energy set. Other notable performances came from Dj Zinhle, Pixie Whip, Lady Zamar, Bucie, Naledi Aphiwe, Nontokozo, Chubby Cheeks, and a poignant in memoriam tribute by Buhlebendalo Mda and Qaqamba Ntshinka.
Full list of winners:
Sofnfree Afropop Artist of the Year
Naledi Aphiwe – ‘Ngiyabonga’
Jazz Artist of the Year
Salphina Kadiaka – ‘Tompie’
DJ of the Year
DJ Zinhle
Pop Artist of the Year
Shekhinah – ‘Risk featuring Moliy’
Traditional Artist of the Year
Pleasure Tsamanyalo – ‘Makoti Take 5’
Entertainment Journalist of the Year
Mbalenhle Zuma – ‘Sunday World’
Songwriter of the Year
Brenda Mtambo – ‘Bhaluyacima’
Entertainment TV Producer of the Year
Noni Khumalo – Trendz Live
Collaboration of the Year
DJ Zinhle and Basetsana – ‘Mdali’
Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year
Nelza Buda – Sibuya Nawe Express Lane (Ikwekwezi FM)
Reggae Artist of the Year
Reign Afrika – ‘Hush’
Best Styled Artist of the Year
Thembi Seete
Dance Artist of the Year
Makhadzi – ‘Mapara’
Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Dyna Steez – ‘Nomalanga’
Music Video of the Year
Kamo Mphela – ‘Dali’ featuring Khalil Harrison & Tyler ICU, Baby S.O.N
Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year
Mroza Buthelezi – Vuka Afrika Breakfast Show (Ukhozi FM)
Amapiano Artist of the Year
Kamo Mphela – ‘Dali’ featuring Khalil Harrison & Tyler ICU, Baby S.O.N
Newcomer of the Year
Nontokozo Mkhize – ‘Moyongcwele’
Music TV Show Presenter of the Year
Robyn Nakaambo (Namibia) – WhataLifestyle NBC
Song of the Year
‘Water’ – Tyla
Artist of the Year
Lwah Ndlunkulu
Gospel Artist of the Year
Zaza Mokhethi – ‘Shabach shofar Chronicles’
CEO Mosadi in Business Award
Zamo and Lady Du
Lifetime Achievement Award
Linah Ebony Ngcobo
Mercy Pakela
Spar Humanitarian Award
Matshidiso Seruwe
Refilwe Legae Home
Song with the Highest Airplay
‘Water’ – Tyla
CAPASSO Most Streamed Song
‘Ngiyeza’ – Lwah Ndlunkulu
International Achievement Award
Tyla
Makhadzi
Trailblazer Award
DJ Zinhle
Congratulations are in order. Not only to the winners but the entire Basadi in Music Awards team.
By Sinenzolo Mondi
