The music world lit up yesterday as the Basadi in Music Awards unveiled one of its fiercest nominee lists and at the center of it all is powerhouse Zee Nxumalo. With four major nominations (Sofnfree Artist of the Year, Amapiano Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Song of the Year), the rising star isn’t just making waves, she’s leading a new era in South African music, proving that young women are not just part of the conversation, they’re running it.
Hot on her heels are fan favourites Nontokozo Mkhize (Sofnfree Artist of the Year, Gospel Artist of the year and Song of the year),Liema Pantsi (Songwriter of the year, Music video of the year and Collaboration of the year) , media maven Relebogile Mabotja (Entertainment Radio Presenter of the year, Entertainment TV Producer of the year and Podcast Presenter of the year), and Kamo Mphela (Amapiano Artist of the year, Sofnfree Artist of the year and Best Styled Artist of the year) each securing three nominations in what promises to be the most fiercely contested awards ceremony in the event’s four-year history.
“When we see artists making such waves across our categories, we know we’re witnessing something special,” says Founder and CEO Hloni Modise Matau. “This year’s nominees represent the heartbeat of South African music right now.”
The 2025 awards are breaking new ground with an electrifying two-night extravaganza at Johannesburg’s prestigious Joburg Theatre, themed “Symphony of Harmony” – a celebration drawing from nature’s four elements to represent the raw power these women bring to music.
Night 1: The Vanguard Awards transforms the theatre into an intimate powerhouse gathering, honouring the brilliant minds working behind the magic. This exclusive, invite-only evening shines a long-overdue spotlight on the women pulling strings backstage from visionary artist managers to groundbreaking producers.
Night 2: The Music Awards explodes into a full-scale celebration where South Africa’s finest female artists battle it out for the top prizes. With tickets at R850 through Webtickets, fans can witness history as their favourite stars compete for ultimate bragging rights.
The expansion from one night to two reflects the explosive growth of women’s influence in the industry. What started as a single evening of recognition has evolved into a movement that’s impossible to contain in just one night.
Dichaba Phalatse, Video Entertainment Marketing Manager from SABC 2 couldn’t contain his excitement: “The energy these women bring is exactly what South African entertainment needs. We’re not just broadcasting an awards show but we’re amplifying a revolution.”
Xoliswa Nduneni the CEO of Joburg Theatre added: “Two nights means double the drama, double the celebration, and double the recognition these incredible women deserve. Our venue is ready to host something truly legendary.”
Lerato Selepe Tikwayo, Marketing Manager of Sofnfree, shared: “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.”
Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Inc., emphasized: “Empowering women in the music industry is not just about recognition it is also about creating lasting change. Basadi in Music Awards is a powerful platform that amplifies the voices of women shaping the future of music and entertainment.”
The competition has never been tighter, this year’s ceremony promises unforgettable moments and the kind of performances that become instant classics.
This isn’t just an awards show, it’s the music event of the year. The women shaping South Africa’s sound are ready to claim their throne.
Don’t just watch history unfold, be part of it. Your vote could be the deciding factor in who takes home the crown. Cast your vote now at http://www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za/categories and help shape the biggest night in South African music.
To vote for your preferred candidate, simply visit www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za/categories/ to view the category list. You can vote by using one of the following methods:
- SMS – Send the category name along with your nominee’s name to 36391. People stand a chance to win a VIP Ticket
- Online – Visit www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za/vote, choose your category, and complete the nomination with a credit card payment.
Both nomination methods cost R1,50 per submission (terms and conditions apply).
Tickets are open, and with limited seats at Joburg Theatre, this is your chance to witness the drama, the tears, the triumph, and those show-stopping performances everyone will be talking about on the socials. Secure your seat at https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/seating.aspx?itemid=1570439572 before they’re gone.
The countdown to crowning 2025’s music royalty has officially begun. Will you be there when the winners are announced?
List of Nominees Below:
Vanguard Awards 1 August –
| Category | Name | Show/Publication/Podcast |
| Artist Manager of the year | Hloni Hlo Mohlala | |
| Phindile Matroshe | ||
| Tholsi Pillay | ||
| Maphuthi Perez | ||
| Miss T Thwala | ||
| Entertainment Radio Presenter of the year | Mannehileng Letuka | Ithlabolle Lesedi FM |
| Relebogile Mabotja | 702 unplugged Sessions | |
| Lootlove | The Touchdown Metro FM | |
| Hlekani Shikwambana | Capricorn Experience Capricorn FM | |
| Lebo Maoela | Rea Thella Aftrnoon Drive Lesedi FM | |
| Kgomotso Meso | Drive 959 Kaya FM | |
| Entertainment Journalist of the year | Keitumetse Maako | News 24 |
| Joy Mphande | Tshisa Live | |
| Nokuthula Zwane | Media 24 | |
| Mbali Mbatha | City Press | |
| Mapule Pule | Maftown online | |
| Choreographer of the year | Delta the Leo | |
| Bontle Modiselle-Moloi | ||
| Tlhogi Molefi | ||
| Entertainment TV Presenter of the year | Lerai | Newsish MTV Base |
| Zanele Potela | Hotspot Seli | |
| Mpumi Mlambo | Ushuni Womhlaba SABC 1 | |
| Best Styled Artist of the year | Faith K | |
| Moozlie | ||
| Kamo Mphela | ||
| Anele Zondo (Ney the Bae) | ||
| Entertainment TV Producer of the year | Relebogile Mabotja | Tyla’s Showmax Homecoming Concert |
| Dineo Lusenga | The Orbit Youtube | |
| Entertainment Radio Producer of the year | Tlou Tlonae | Capricorn Breakfast Capricorn FM |
| Phindile Mthombeni | The AM Prime Show Emalahleni FM | |
| Noni Khumalo | The Lunch League Y | |
| Dineo Lusenga | The Midday Link UpMetro FM | |
| Make Up Artist of the year | Bongi Mlotswa | |
| Nomsa Madida | ||
| Nono Linchwe | ||
| Stephy Kwanaite | ||
| Hairstylist of the year | Hair by Nana R | |
| Ntombomzi Lekgoro | ||
| Mbalezwehair | ||
| Jullz_Hairstylist | ||
| Tumelo Mj Afrobotique | ||
| Podcast Presenter of the year | Pharoahi | Popcorn and Cheese |
| Relebogile Mabotja | The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast | |
| Laconco | Timeline with Laconco | |
| Si Jones | Si Sessions Africa |
Music Awards 2 August
| Category | Artist | Song |
| Afropop Artist of the year | Zethe | Abantu |
| Nomakhosini | Angsafuni Ngami | |
| Motlanalo | Goya Goyile | |
| Naledi Aphiwe | Romeo and Juliet | |
| Lwah Ndlunkulu | Mnakwethu | |
| Amapiano Artist of the year | Kamo mphela | Woza |
| Pabi Cooper | Pabi Jo | |
| Zee Nxumalo | Ngisakuthanda | |
| Bassie | Kwelanga 2.0 | |
| Babalwa M | Bothata | |
| Sofnfree Artist of the year | Zee Nxumalo | Ngsakuthanda |
| Xolly Ncwango | Liyabasebenzela | |
| Kamo Mphela | Woza | |
| Nontokozo Mkhize | Esandleni | |
| Makhadzi | Number 1 | |
| Collaboration of the year | Cici and Liema Pantsi | Impumelelo |
| Babalwa M and Yallunder | Mthuthuzeli | |
| Mpho Sebina and Lioness Ratang | Lioness | |
| Nosipho,Cici and Liema Pantsi | Home | |
| Boohle, DEE Koala,K Mat | Iskhath’ Sam Manje | |
| Dance Artist of the year | Manana Highness | Mdali |
| Makhadzi | Number 1 | |
| Shandesh | Sdudla/Slender | |
| Karishma | Chokesmal | |
| Azana | Abogogo | |
| DJ of the year | Lerato kganyago | |
| DJ Tshepi | ||
| Lamiez Holworthy | ||
| DJ Zinhle | ||
| Kele Megano | ||
| Gospel Artist of the year | Mapula Monyepao | Hale Phirimile |
| Nontokozo Mkhize | Esandleni | |
| Sneizy | Uyinqaba Yethu | |
| Xolly Mncwango | Liyabasebenzela | |
| Sindi Ntombela | Ulithemba Lethu | |
| Hip Hop Artist of the year | ||
| Ms Kulie | Dyi Baddie | |
| Nadia Nakai | No Problems | |
| Gigi Lamayne | Bleed Mama | |
| StaticFlo | Seven7 | |
| Faith K | Qosh | |
| Jazz Artist of the year | Salphina Kadiaka | Champaign |
| Rorisang Sechele | Tsoga | |
| Tshenolo | Freedom Song | |
| Gabi Motuba | Order my Steps | |
| Reggae Artist of the year | Dimahr | Dry Tears |
| Undefynd | Danceholic | |
| Lani M | Carried Away | |
| Sankie Fayauman | Motherland | |
| MadaGlory | Graceful Dub | |
| Traditional Artist of the year | Phumla Music | Makhonjwa |
| MmaAusi | 2 Pula | |
| Esther Mphahlele | Basadi | |
| Miss Hillary | Hangwani | |
| Song of the year | Zee Nxumalo | Ngisakuthanda |
| Bassie | Kwelanga 2.0 | |
| Nontokozo Mkhize | Esandleni | |
| Aya Msani | Dubai 2.0 | |
| Lwa Ndlunkulu | Mnakwethu | |
| Songwriter of the year | Bongiwe Mngomezulu | Uyangihola |
| Liema PANTSI | Let me be | |
| Cnethemba Gonelo | Lindishonele | |
| Motlanalo | Goya Goyile | |
| Zoe Modiga | Uyakhazimula | |
| Newcomer of the year | ||
| Nonny Muji | Nguye | |
| Ayarhkay | Hamba | |
| Lani M | What you made of | |
| Mega Snowflake | Aketeng | |
| Pop Artist of the year | Chante | Stay the night |
| Tasha Baxter | Bipolar Bear | |
| Jamie Lee Sexton | Missing | |
| Anica Kiana | Kiss me Hard | |
| Music Video of the year | Liema Pantsi | Let me be |
| Zee Nxumalo | Ngisakuthanda | |
| Naledi Aphiwe | Ngiyabonga | |
| Kharishma | Chokeslem | |
| Pabi Cooper | Pabi Jo |
Social Media Handles
- Instagram: @Basadiinmusicawards_sa
- Facebook: Basadi In Music Awards
- Twitter: @Basadi_awards
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@basadiinmusicawards
- Website: http://basadiinmusicawards.co.za/
- Hashtag: #Basadiinmusicawards2025
INFO SUPPLIED.
