SA gets new music awards to honour women

The awards ceremony was founded by entertainment entrepreneur and public relations professional Hloni Modise. They will honour and celebrate women in the music industry, including singers, performers, composers and producers.

The star-studded launch of the awards coincided with the International Women’s Day and was hosted by musician and actress Keabetswe ‘KB’ Motsilanyane. Other artists who attended the event included Abigail Kubheka, Makhadzi, Brenda Mtambo, Boohle, Holly Rey, Mafikizolo’s Nhlanhla Mafu, Linah ‘Ebony’ Ngcobo, Maleh, Candy Tsamandebele, BONJ, Pilani Bubu, Gloria Bosman, Ayanda Jiya and Cic.

Also in attendance was Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse, broadcaster Penny Lebyane, TV and radio host Candice Modiselle, and actress and TV presenter Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzolo.

“It all started as an idea that I put on paper and it looked big, impossible and unrealistic,” Modise said. “When I spoke to people, they said it was a great idea. It’s unreal that we’ve launched an idea whose time is overdue.”

The event featured performances by Makhadzi, Holly Rey, Nhlanhla Mafu, Candy Tsamandebele, Brenda Mtambo, Boohle, Winnie Mashaba, DJ Mami and DJ Lerato Kganyago.

The BIMAs will be held annually with support from the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), Women in Music South Africa, Joburg Theatre and Gauteng Tourism, among other sponsors.

“As team SAMPRA, we are incredibly proud to be part of this brand because of everything that it represents and everything that it seeks to achieve,” SAMPRA chief marketing officer Tiyani Maluleke said. “The work you have started is to be commended. We’d like to congratulate you on this momentous achievement and we look forward to a great and lasting partnership.”

Modise said: “I’m humbled by the support from our generous sponsors and the industry that has embraced this initiative. Big things happen when women pull together. This is for all young girls with big dreams and are afraid. I wish they could look at yesterday's launch and realise that it’s possible. We are Basadi.”

The BIMA nominees and winners will be voted for by the public. Alongside the launch of the awards, an open call has been released inviting the public to nominate their favourite artists, with the nominees’ ceremony scheduled for May. The awards ceremony will be held in August in conjunction with Women’s Month in South Africa.

Find more about the BIMAs here.