The Basadi in Music Awards is entering a new era as it celebrates its fifth anniversary, with organisers announcing a major expansion that will open the platform to women across the African continent.
Nominations for the 2026 edition officially opened on 30 April and will run until 30 May, inviting the public, industry professionals and stakeholders to put forward names of women making an impact in music.
In what organisers describe as a “landmark moment,” selected categories will, for the first time, include nominees from beyond South Africa, signalling a shift from a national awards platform to a broader Pan-African movement.
While South Africa remains the home of the awards, it is explained that the expansion is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration, visibility and cultural exchange among women artists, producers, executives and other key players across Africa’s music industry.
Over the past five years, the awards have built a reputation as a platform dedicated to recognising women’s contributions across multiple facets of the industry, from performance and production to leadership and cultural influence.
Founder and CEO, Hloni Modise Matau, said the milestone reflects both growth and purpose.
“As we mark Year Five of Basadi in Music Awards, this moment is deeply meaningful for us. Expanding to include Pan-African participation is a natural evolution of our vision to create a platform that not only recognises South African talent, but also celebrates the incredible women shaping music across the continent,” she said.
“We encourage everyone to take part by nominating their favourite candidate and making their voices heard.”
Organisers say the move positions the awards as not just a celebration, but a growing continental platform aimed at amplifying women’s voices and influence in Africa’s evolving music ecosystem.