The Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) 2026 is shaping up to be a major celebration of women in South African entertainment, and Amapiano artists are leading the charge across several of the event’s biggest categories.
Set to take place on 7 and 8 August 2026 at the Joburg Theatre, the awards ceremony will celebrate its fifth anniversary, marking another milestone in its mission to honour the achievements, influence, and contributions of women in music. Over the years, BIMA has grown into one of the country’s most respected platforms, recognising female excellence while inspiring the next generation of artists and industry leaders.
This year’s nominations reflect the incredible impact Amapiano continues to have on the local music scene, with many of the genre’s biggest stars earning recognition across multiple categories.
One of the most competitive categories is Amapiano Artist of the Year, where some of the genre’s most celebrated names will battle it out for top honours. Nominees include DBN Gogo, MaWhoo, Thathohatsi, Zee Nxumalo, Nkosazana Daughter, and Nobuhle. Each artist has enjoyed a remarkable year, releasing music that has resonated with fans both locally and internationally.
The DJ of the Year category also highlights the growing influence of female Amapiano DJs. Global sensation Uncle Waffles and hitmaker DBN Gogo have secured nominations, continuing to showcase the genre’s dominance on dance floors around the world.
Amapiano’s influence extends beyond artist-specific categories. In the Song of the Year race, Zee Nxumalo, MaWhoo, and Kamo Mphela have all earned nominations thanks to their chart-topping releases and widespread popularity among music lovers.
The Music Video of the Year category features a strong representation from artists closely associated with the Amapiano movement, including Tyla, Nkosazana Daughter, and Kamo Mphela, whose visual storytelling has helped elevate their music to new heights.
Meanwhile, Uncle Waffles has received a nomination for Dance Music Artist of the Year, further cementing her position as one of Africa’s most influential DJs. Zee Nxumalo and MaWhoo also continue their successful run with a nomination in the Collaboration of the Year category.
The Best Female Artist of the Year category includes MaWhoo, Mashudu, Nia Pearl, Boohle, and De Rose, while the coveted Artist of the Year award will see Zee Nxumalo, Tyla, Nkosazana Daughter, and MaWhoo competing against one another.
With August fast approaching, excitement continues to build around the Basadi in Music Awards 2026. As the event celebrates five years of empowering and recognising women in entertainment, Amapiano artists once again find themselves at the forefront of South Africa’s musical landscape, proving that the genre remains a powerful force in shaping the future of African music.
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