Open call: Basadi in Music Awards 2026 nominations

The nomination period will run from 30 April to 30 May and will be open to the public, music industry professionals and other stakeholders. Submissions can be made via the official SMS platform and the Basadi in Music Awards website.

A key development for the 2026 edition is the introduction of a pan-African expansion, which will allow selected categories to include entries from across the continent.

• The awards will continue to be anchored in South Africa
• Selected categories will now accept participation from other African countries
• The expansion is intended to broaden collaboration and visibility for women in music across Africa

Organisers say the move forms part of the awards’ transition from a national platform to a continental initiative focused on women working across the music value chain, including performance, production, business and leadership.

Key nomination dates

• Nominations open: 30 April at 00:01 CAT
• Nominations close: 30 May at 23:59 CAT

Over the past five years, the Basadi in Music Awards has grown to recognise women across multiple areas of the industry, including:

• Artistry and performance
• Music production
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Leadership and cultural impact

“As we mark Year Five of Basadi in Music Awards, this moment is deeply meaningful for us,” founder and CEO Hloni Modise Matau said. “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. We encourage everyone to take part by nominating their favourite candidate and making their voices heard.”