The 2025 Basadi in Music Vanguard Awards, held at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on August 1 and 2, celebrated the remarkable contributions of women to South Africa’s music industry. Founded in 2022, this pioneering event highlights the vital roles played by women across all sectors of the industry, including performers, producers, managers, journalists, presenters, and creatives behind the camera.
This year’s awards shone a bright light on women whose dedication and talent fuel the country’s vibrant music scene. Among the winners were podcast presenter Laconco, radio star Lootlove, and television producer Relebogile Mabotja, each receiving multiple honours at this prestigious gathering.
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Table of contents
- What Are the Basadi in Music Vanguard Awards?
- Laconco: Advancing South African Podcasts
- Lootlove: Energising South African Radio
- Relebogile Mabotja: Raising Standards in Television Production
- Other Vanguard Award Winners Worth Celebrating
- Celebrating Artists and Music Creators
- Special Honours Spotlighting Leadership and Legacy
- SAMRO’s Role and Women’s Month Alignment
- Why the Basadi in Music Awards Matter
- The Future of Female Empowerment in South African Music
What Are the Basadi in Music Vanguard Awards?
The Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) were created to address a longstanding gap: the lack of recognition for women working behind the scenes in the music industry. “Basadi” means “women” in Setswana, reflecting the awards’ focus on female empowerment and contribution.
The Vanguard Awards segment specifically honours women who contribute offstage; whether through managing artists, producing media content, choreographing performances, presenting shows, or shaping music narratives in journalism and radio. This inclusivity strengthens the industry by recognising the roles essential to commercial and creative success.
Laconco: Advancing South African Podcasts
Laconco received the Podcast Presenter of the Year award for her acclaimed show Timeline with Laconco. The podcast has become a respected platform for South African storytelling and discussions on music, culture, and social matters.
Her award highlights the growing significance of podcasting as a space for rich, authentic conversations. Laconco’s work amplifies women’s voices, contributes to culture, and fosters a new generation of informed listeners.
Lootlove: Energising South African Radio
Renowned for her magnetic presence on The Touchdown on Metro FM, Lootlove was honoured with the Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year award. Known for her engaging style and ability to connect with diverse audiences, she stands out as a leading figure in South African radio.
Radio remains a critical medium for music discovery and community connection in South Africa. Lootlove’s award recognises the enduring impact of radio presenters in shaping music tastes and sharing culture.
Relebogile Mabotja: Raising Standards in Television Production
Relebogile Mabotja won the Entertainment TV Producer of the Year award for her work on Tyla’s Showmax Homecoming Concert. Known for creating high-quality programming, she has elevated South African TV production standards.
In addition to this award, Mabotja was nominated in various other categories, underscoring her broad impact across media. She demonstrates how women continue to innovate and lead in entertainment production.
Other Vanguard Award Winners Worth Celebrating
The event recognised many other outstanding contributors:
- Tholsi Pillay as Artist Manager of the Year, guiding talent behind the scenes with dedication and expertise.
- Mapule Pule, honoured as Entertainment Journalist of the Year, reporting on music with insight and passion.
- Tlhogi Molefi, named Choreographer of the Year, creating captivating performances that bring music to life visually.
- Nomsa Madida as Make-up Artist of the Year, enhancing artists’ stage presence.
- Tumelo Mj Afrobotique as Hairstylist of the Year, styling performers for unforgettable appearances.
- Laconco (again) as Podcast Presenter of the Year, reaffirming her impact.
- Zanele Potelwa as Music TV Show Presenter of the Year, bridging audiences and artists with charisma.
These winners highlight the diverse roles women hold across the creative landscape, each vital to sustaining South Africa’s dynamic music industry.
Celebrating Artists and Music Creators
Beyond the Vanguard Awards, the Basadi in Music Awards also honour outstanding female artists from various genres who shape the sound of South Africa today:
- Zee Nxumalo was crowned Artist of the Year, a milestone reflecting her rising status in Amapiano and Afro-pop music. With hits like Funk 55 and Thula Mabota, she represents a new wave of female musicians defined by creativity and commercial success.
- Naledi Aphiwe took the Afro-pop Artist of the Year award for her soulful hit Romeo and Juliet.
- Gigi Lamayne was recognised as Hip Hop Artist of the Year for her impactful track Bleed Mama.
- MadaGlory won Reggae Artist of the Year for her album Graceful Dub.
These performers, alongside many nominees, demonstrate the strength and variety of South African female musical talent.
Special Honours Spotlighting Leadership and Legacy
The Basadi Awards also honoured women making lasting impacts beyond individual projects:
- Portia Mngomezulu received the CEO Mosadi in Business Award for her leadership and innovation.
- Legendary gospel singer Dr Rebecca Malope was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award recognising decades of musical excellence and influence.
- The Trailblazer of the Year Award went to Bongi Mlotswa, highlighting her pioneering work in breaking barriers.
Such honours reinforce the Basadi event as a platform celebrating influence, mentorship, and industry-wide transformation.
SAMRO’s Role and Women’s Month Alignment
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) partners annually with the Basadi in Music Awards. SAMRO sponsors the Songwriter of the Year category and specialises in empowering women through workshops on copyright, production, and promotion.
This partnership strengthens gender equity efforts in the industry and aligns with South Africa’s annual Women’s Month celebrations in August. Women’s Month commemorates the iconic 1956 march of over 20,000 women protesting apartheid pass laws, making the Basadi Awards part of a broader social movement.
Why the Basadi in Music Awards Matter
The awards send a powerful message about the essential roles women play in every facet of the music industry. By spotlighting not only performers but also managers, journalists, choreographers, and producers, they promote inclusivity and equity.
They elevate women’s leadership, creativity, and influence, inspiring young women to pursue careers in music with confidence. This recognition helps shift the industry culture towards a more balanced and diverse future.
The Future of Female Empowerment in South African Music
The 2025 Basadi in Music Vanguard Awards reflect a hopeful future for South African music. With growing visibility and support for women at every level, the industry is becoming richer, more innovative, and more equitable.
The Basadi Awards celebrate talent both behind the scenes and on stage, directly recognising and valuing women’s contributions. The event has become a cornerstone in shaping a music industry where women flourish as creators, leaders, and visionaries.
