Basadi Awards Honour SA’s Leading Women in Music

The 2025 Basadi in Music Awards lit up Johannesburg, Gauteng, with a spectacular two-night celebration of female talent, creativity and influence across the South African music scene.

This year introduced the Vanguard Awards, honouring the unsung heroines behind the scenes – publicists, stylists and journalists – while the main event highlighted on-stage excellence. Hosted by Lerato Kganyago, the ceremony embraced the theme, “The Four Elements of Life”, with performances and tributes woven around nature’s symbolism.

Liema Pantsi, a rising star and former Big Brother Mzansi contestant, claimed Song of the Year and Collaboration of the Year, calling the recognition “a push forward” in her quest for international success. She also hinted at dream collaborations with Shekhinah, SZA and Cleo Sol.

Rapper Moozlie took home the Best Styled Artist award, while Kharishma impressed with her Music Video of the Year win. Emotional moments peaked when Dr Rebecca Malope received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and declared on stage: “Now I know how much I’m loved in my country.”

The awards not only showcased talent but firmly positioned women at the centre of music’s future, celebrating artistry, ambition and the power of collaboration.

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