The 2026 Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) are set to deliver a spectacular celebration as the awards mark their fifth anniversary with a star-studded entertainment line-up and a special reunion of former hosts.
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Taking place over 7 and 8 August 2026 at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, this year’s awards will be held under the theme “Rewind: The Rise,” celebrating the music, memorable moments and fashion that have defined the awards over the past five years.
A milestone celebration
To commemorate the milestone anniversary, organisers have announced a historic host reunion, with all four previous hosts returning to the stage.
Anele Zondo, popularly known as Ney the Bae, Moozlie, Unathi Nkayi and Lerato Kganyago will reunite to co-host the two-day event, making this year’s edition one of the most anticipated in the awards’ history.
The reunion is expected to add a nostalgic touch to the celebrations while honouring the journey of the BIMA since their inception.
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Top stars set to take the stage
Music lovers can look forward to performances from an impressive line-up featuring some of South Africa’s biggest female artists. This includes Ney the bae, Lira, Nothando Hlophe, Makhadzi, Nia Pearl, Mawhoo, Thatohatsi, Kelly Khumalo and Monique Bingham, among others.
The performers represent a variety of genres, including amapiano, hip hop, Afro-pop, gospel and Afro-soul, highlighting the diversity and talent of South Africa’s female musicians.
Celebrating women in music
The BIMA were established to recognise and honour women making an impact across South Africa’s music industry.
Beyond celebrating performers, the awards also recognise producers, DJs, composers, media personalities, executives and other women working behind the scenes to shape the industry.
Over the past five years, the awards have become an important platform dedicated to celebrating excellence, creativity and the influence of women in South African music.
A weekend of music and empowerment
With a blend of established stars and rising talent, organisers have promised an unforgettable weekend filled with standout performances, inspiring moments and celebrations of female excellence.
The announcement of the entertainment line-up has already generated excitement among fans on social media, many of whom are looking forward to seeing some of the country’s biggest stars share one stage.
Looking ahead
As the countdown continues, the fifth edition of the BIMA promises to celebrate not only the achievements of women in music today, but also the legacy the awards have built over the past half-decade.
With the “Rewind: The Rise” theme, a reunion of beloved hosts and a powerhouse performance lineup, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the biggest editions yet.
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