2023 Basadi in Music Award Winners Announced

The 2023 Basadi in Music Award Winners have been announced! Yes folks, the vibrant heart of the music and entertainment industry converged at Joburg Theatre on 12 August 2023, for the much-anticipated second instalment of the annual Basadi in Music Awards.

This grand celebration brought together remarkable female talents who have contributed to the arts in exceptional ways, embodying the essence of creativity, resilience, and empowerment.

Under the guidance of the charismatic host Unathi Nkayi, the evening dazzled with extraordinary performances that transcended genres and generations featuring artists such as Andile Gaelesiwe, Khanyo, Winnie Khumalo, Tamara Dey, Maleh, Mpho Sebina, Vicky Sampson and Msaki.

A highlight of the 2023 Basadi in Music Awards was the captivating tribute by Yanga and Thembisile Ntaka, as they paid homage to the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, Letta Mbulu, PJ Powers, and Angelique Kidjo, who were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the world of music.

The Basadi in Music Awards not only applauded musical excellence but also celebrated the accomplishments of women across diverse entertainment domains. Lwah Ndlunkulu secured the evening’s top honours by clinching both Artist of the Year and Song of the Year accolades, the latter for her mesmerising collaboration Ithuba with Siya Ntuli. Noluthando Ngema, a 27-year-old talent from Ndwedwe, earned the inaugural Nando’s Emerging Artist of the Year distinction.

Recognising the unsung heroes, Phila Tyekana garnered the title Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year, while Masego Seemela stood out as Entertainment Journalist of the Year. Metro FM’s Khutso Theledi claimed the Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year award, Philisa Bidi secured the esteemed title of Entertainment TV Producer of the Year and Msaki, mentor of the Nando’s Emergist Artist of the Year, emerged triumphant as SAMRO Songwriter of the Year. Ntombee Ngcobo Mzolo received the Music TV Presenter of the Year.

The CEO Mosadi in Business Achievement Award recipients were Nhlanhla Mafu, Thando Thabethe, and Boity, while the Mosadi in Music in Africa Award recipients included Berita (Zimbabwe), Maleh (Lesotho), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Sefa (Ghana), and Ayra Starr (Nigeria).

SABC 2 was extremely proud of the successful Basadi Music Awards (which was hosted on the 12th of August 2023). Electrifying and memorable moments that will be shared with millions of South Africans on the 27th August at 20:30 . They congratulated all the winners and stood anchored in the shared vision of recognising and celebrating women through their partnership with the Basadi in music awards.

Noeleen Burger from Softnfree commented

“Sofnfree is honoured and proud to support and recognize these powerful, ground breaking female artists in the Amapiano genre who are defining today’s sound – and paving the way for tomorrow’s women in music. We congratulate Khanyisa Jaceni on winning the Sofnfree Amapiano Artist of the Year and wish her the greatest of success in making the world dance to the beat of Africa!”

Kirsty Niehaus (Nando’s Marketing Manager: Creativity Portfolio) commented

“Congratulations to Noluthando Ngema. We’re excited to see where this journey takes her. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to help her take the next step forward through BIMA. Our purpose at Nando’s is changing lives, and our partnership with BIMA speaks to the heart of what we’re about.”

“We’ve been working with our music partner, Bridges For Music, since 2018, because we believe that helping to create pathways into the industry for South Africa’s emerging musicians is a way we can nurture and showcase local creativity to make a meaningful difference.”

“Together with our loyal Nando’s guests, we’ll also be supporting the remaining four finalists in the Emerging Artists category in their journeys through funds raised by our ‘Give a little; do lot campaign’ that’s running in all our restaurants countrywide during Women’s Month.”

Lerato Matsoso (CAPASSOs Stakeholder Relations and Membership Manager) commented

“CAPASSO would like to congratulate the Q Twins on their win in the Most Streamed Female Song category for their song, Sobonana and all winners. As the leading digital Collective Management Organization on the African continent we pride ourselves in uplifting women. Through the leadership of our CEO, Mr Jotam Matariro we would like to encourage all women to keep rising in the music business and never apologise for their greatness.”

SAMRO also commented on their involvement in the Basadi in Music Awards

“We congratulate and honour Msaki for her outstanding achievements in songwriting. This award not only celebrates her talent and dedication to her craft but also acknowledges the broader importance of songwriters who are the backbone of the music industry and continually shape our musical heritage.” 

Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema commented

“Joburg Theatre congratulates all the winners of each category applauding them of their dedication, creativity and passion for remain committed in their crafts. We continue to celebrate these extraordinary women who bring music to the world. Through their creativity they inspire, uplift and empower all.”

BIMA CEO Hloni Modise-Matau commented

“The second Basadi in Music Awards was an incredible success echoing women’s profound impact in the music and entertainment industry. Thanks to our gracious guests who added elegance, sponsors who empowered and recognised women in music,”

“Unathi Nkayi’s guiding presence, prestigious guest presenters, and mesmerizing performers, we celebrated unity and talent. This event showcased industry creativity and strength while acknowledging the often unnoticed dedication of women behind the scenes. To my team, your dedication, hard work, and attention to detail made this possible. Special thanks to our host venue, Joburg Theatre, and heartfelt congratulations to award recipients.”

Here’s the list of 2023 Basadi in Music Award Winners

AFRO POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Kelly Khumalo – “Akathintwa”

SOFNFREE AMAPIANO ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Khanyisa Jaceni Ft Sir Trill, Marcus Mc, Tycoon & Ben Da Prince – “Gyjima”

ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Lwah Ndlunkulu

DANCE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Nuzu Deep – “Come Find Me”

DJ OF THE YEAR: Lady Amar

DUO/COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR: Qwabe Twins – “Sobonana”

NANDO’S EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Noluthando Ngema

ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: Masego Seemela – Sowetan Smag

ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR: Khutso Theledi – The Break Away – Metro FM

ENTERTAINMENT RADIO PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Phila Tyekana – The Touchdown – Metro FM

GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Ntokozo Mbambo – “Ngcwele Nkosi”

HIP HOP ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Nadia Nakai Ft Lucasraps – “Not The Same”

JAZZ ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Thesis Za – “Chosi”

MUSIC TV PRESENTER: Ntombee Mzolo – Yash’ Ingoma

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR: Ney The Bae Ft Given Zulu – “Ingwe”

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Group Chat – “Mama”

POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Holly Rey – “Stripped”

REGGAE ARIST OF THE YEAR: Empres Lilly – “One Day”

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR: Tshidi Kekana Manganye

SONG OF THE YEAR: Lwah Ndlunkulu Ft Siya Ntuli – “Ithuba”

SAMRO SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Msaki

STYLIST OF THE YEAR: Odirile the savage stylist

TRADITIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Dr Sophy – “Vamaseve wa Mina”

CEO MOSADI IN BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Nhlanhla Mafu for NN Vintage
Thando Thabethe for Thabooty’s Underwear and Shapewear
Boity for BT Signature

MOSADI IN MUSIC IN AFRICA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Berita (Zimbabwe)
Maleh (Lesotho)
Mpho Sebina (Botswana)
Sefa (Ghana)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Letta Mbulu
PJ Powers
Angelique Kidjo

MOST STREAMED SONG BETWEEN APRIL 2022 – MARCH 2023: Q TWINS – “Sobonana”

HIGHEST PLAYLISTED SONG BETWEEN APRIL 2022 – MARCH 2023: Nomfundo Moh – “Soft Life”

I would like to take this opporunity to congratulate all the Basadi in Music Awards winners! Well done ladies!

Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.