Seen Here: History is being written one vote at a time. With more than 150,000 public votes already cast, the Basadi in Music Awards 2026 is celebrating its biggest public voting campaign ever. As the countdown to the close of voting begins, Africa unites to honour the extraordinary women whose talent, creativity and leadership continue to shape the soundtrack of the continent. #BasadiInMusicAwards #BIMA2026 #WomenInMusic #AfricanExcellence #VoteBeforeItCloses Photo Credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG – With the countdown officially on, the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) has reached a historic milestone after surpassing 150,000 public votes, making the 2026 edition the biggest public voting campaign in the awards’ history.
As voting enters its final three days, organisers have described the overwhelming public response as a powerful endorsement of a platform that has spent the past five years celebrating the achievements of women across Africa’s music and entertainment industries.
What began as a South African initiative has evolved into a respected Pan-African movement, recognising women who continue to shape the continent’s cultural landscape through music, broadcasting, production, choreography, journalism, styling, content creation and executive leadership.
This year’s awards feature an impressive list of nominees from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Eswatini, Lesotho and several other African countries, reflecting the growing influence and diversity of women driving the continent’s creative economy.
Basadi in Music Awards Founder and CEO Hloni Modise Matau said surpassing 150,000 public votes represents far more than a numerical achievement.
“Reaching more than 150,000 public votes is an incredible milestone for the Basadi in Music Awards and a testament to the growing belief in our vision. What began as a platform to celebrate women in South African music has evolved into a Pan-African movement that honours the extraordinary women shaping the soundtrack of our continent.”
She encouraged supporters to continue voting before the deadline, noting that every vote helps celebrate excellence while contributing to another historic chapter for African music.
“Every vote is a powerful statement of recognition, appreciation and support for these remarkable women. Together, we are not only crowning winners—we are writing another chapter in African music history.”
The growing popularity of the awards has also been welcomed by Joburg City Theatres, which once again hosts the prestigious event.
Chief Executive Officer Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema said the remarkable voting figures demonstrate the increasing importance of recognising women who continue to transform Africa’s entertainment industry.
“Surpassing 150,000 public votes demonstrates the passion and commitment audiences have for recognising female excellence. We are honoured to welcome artists, creatives and supporters from across the continent as we celebrate five years of the Basadi in Music Awards and its growing Pan-African impact.”
The awards have also earned praise from legal partner Maphike Inc., whose Managing Director and Advisory Board member Manaileng Maphike said the milestone reflects the credibility and trust the public has placed in the awards.
“This remarkable milestone demonstrates the trust and enthusiasm that audiences have for the Basadi in Music Awards. We are proud to support a platform that champions fairness, excellence and the recognition of women across the music value chain.”
The SABC, through SABC 2, has similarly encouraged viewers to participate before voting closes.
Marketing Manager for Video Entertainment Dichaba Phalatse said public participation remains central to recognising artists whose work continues to inspire audiences across Africa.
“The Basadi in Music Awards gives South Africans and audiences across the continent the power to recognise and celebrate the women whose talent, creativity and influence continue to inspire us.”
With only three days remaining, excitement is building ahead of what promises to be one of the most significant editions of the awards since their inception.
As the Basadi in Music Awards celebrates its fifth anniversary, the record-breaking public participation highlights not only the growing influence of the platform but also the increasing recognition of women whose creativity, innovation and leadership continue to shape the future of African music.
Public voting closes on Saturday, 18 July 2026 at 23:59 (SAST), giving fans one final opportunity to support their favourite nominees before winners are crowned in another landmark celebration of African musical excellence.
