Seen Here: South African media icon, entrepreneur and global businesswoman Bonang Matheba will be honoured with the prestigious 2026 Trailblazer Award at the 5th Annual Basadi in Music Awards in recognition of her outstanding contribution to media, entertainment, entrepreneurship and her enduring impact in inspiring generations of African women to dream bigger and lead boldly. Photo Credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG – South African media powerhouse and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba will add another prestigious accolade to her illustrious career when she is honoured with the 2026 Trailblazer Award at the 5th Annual Basadi in Music Awards, recognising more than two decades of transforming Africa’s entertainment industry and inspiring generations of women.
The award will be presented on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at the Joburg Theatre, as the Basadi in Music Awards celebrates its fifth anniversary under the theme “REWIND” and the campaign “Africa to the World.”
The coveted Trailblazer Award celebrates individuals whose vision, courage and innovation have reshaped their industries while creating opportunities for future generations. Organisers say Bonang embodies those qualities through a career that has consistently redefined excellence in media, broadcasting, business and entertainment.
A career that changed the industry
From captivating television audiences as one of South Africa’s most recognisable presenters on LIVE (later Live Amp) to becoming one of the country’s most influential radio personalities on YFM and Metro FM, Bonang has built a career synonymous with professionalism, authenticity and cultural influence.
Over the years, she has become one of Africa’s most sought-after hosts, fronting some of the continent’s biggest entertainment events, including the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), Metro FM Music Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, Miss South Africa, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, the BET Awards International Red Carpet, and Global Citizen: Mandela 100, among numerous other high-profile productions.
Beyond broadcasting, Matheba has established herself as one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Through her luxury beverage brand House of BNG, the award-winning reality series Being Bonang, her bestselling memoir From A to B, and various business ventures, she has built a globally recognised personal brand while championing African excellence.
Her influence now extends beyond entertainment into fashion, luxury, philanthropy and entrepreneurship, making her one of the continent’s most recognisable cultural icons.
“She transformed the industry”
Hloni Modise Matau, Founder and CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards, said Bonang’s impact extends far beyond personal success.
“Some people succeed within an industry. Bonang Matheba transformed it,” said Modise Matau.
“She showed an entire generation of African women that it is possible to dream without limits, occupy spaces once thought unattainable and build a globally respected brand while remaining unapologetically African.”
She added that the Trailblazer Award is reserved for individuals whose influence permanently changes the course of an industry.
“Bonang has inspired women to own their voices, recognise their value and understand that success is something you intentionally create.”
“As Basadi celebrates five years of championing women in music, there is no one more deserving of this honour. We are immensely proud to celebrate a woman whose legacy will continue to inspire Africa and the world for generations to come.”
Bonang reflects on the honour
Accepting the recognition, Matheba described the award as both humbling and deeply meaningful.
“Thank you to the Basadi in Music Awards for this incredible honour,” she said.
“To be recognised alongside women who’ve shaped this industry is a privilege I don’t take for granted.”
She said the award had prompted her to reflect on the purpose behind building businesses such as House of BNG and the Bonang Matheba Foundation.
“Building something bigger than yourself is always worth it. These businesses exist because of the doors that were opened for me, and this award is a reminder to keep opening them for the next generation.”
Looking to the future, Bonang revealed her ambitions for House of BNG to become a globally recognised luxury African brand.
“As an MCC brand, we’re already growing beyond South Africa, and the ambition is bold: I’d love to see House of BNG on the world stage and show the world African luxury in the way I’ve always known it—world-class, undeniable and ready to shine.”
She also shared an empowering message for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“To every woman out there: start today, back yourself and watch how far it takes you.”
Industry leaders celebrate a cultural icon
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry, with leading figures praising Bonang’s enduring contribution to African culture.
Dichaba Phalatse, Head of Video Entertainment at SABC2, described Matheba as a broadcaster and storyteller who has consistently elevated South African entertainment while inspiring future generations of creatives.
Meanwhile, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres, said Bonang’s career has become part of South Africa’s cultural history.
“She has spent more than two decades breaking barriers, challenging perceptions and proving that African excellence belongs on every stage around the world,” she said.
Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Inc. and member of the Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board, added that Bonang has redefined success for African women through innovation, leadership and unwavering belief in her vision.
“She has shown that leadership is not simply about achieving personal success, but about opening doors for others to follow.”
Celebrating African excellence
As the Basadi in Music Awards marks its fifth anniversary, organisers say honouring Bonang Matheba reflects the awards’ commitment to recognising women whose achievements continue to shape the future of African music and entertainment.
Her influence, they say, is measured not only by the stages she has commanded, the audiences she has inspired or the businesses she has built, but by the confidence she has instilled in countless young African women to dream bigger and pursue excellence without limits.
The 2026 Basadi in Music Awards promises an evening of world-class performances, prestigious honours and memorable collaborations as it continues to celebrate the women taking African creativity from Africa to the World.
The awards ceremony takes place on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg.
