Honouring the Rise of Women in Music: Basadi in Music Awards 2025

In a world where the music industry has long been a male-dominated arena, the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) have carved out a powerful space that champions the voices, creativity, and hustle of women across all genres and roles. Since its inception in 2022, the awards have consistently uplifted and showcased female talent—ranging from singers and rappers to producers, managers, and DJs.

This platform is more than just an awards show; it is a declaration that women in music belong, their voices matter, and their contributions are shaping the culture. And in 2025, this spirit is stronger than ever.

Representation That Resonates

For many women, especially emerging creatives, representation is not just about recognition—it's about validation. It's the sense that your voice, your vision, and your work can resonate on stages that were once closed to you. The Basadi in Music Awards offer that platform, reminding every young girl watching that her dream is possible.

This year, the campaign season is not only buzzing with excitement but bursting with stories of women who are reshaping the musical narrative in South Africa. Let’s spotlight a few of them.

---

StaticFlo – FloFam on the Rise

Rapper StaticFlo is leading her supporters—the FloFam—into the 2025 Basadi campaign with energy and purpose. She’s rallying her fans to nominate her in the Hip Hop or Newcomer categories by SMSing HipHop StaticFlo or Newcomer StaticFlo to 36391. Her message is clear:

“You are reading this for a reason... Let’s take it home!”

StaticFlo isn’t just campaigning—she’s standing as a symbol of how persistence, authenticity, and lyrical prowess are gaining ground for women in hip hop. Her presence on this year’s ballot is a reminder that young, bold, unapologetic voices are breaking through.

---

Brie Lee – A Voice for Women’s Rights

Another name making waves this year is Brie Lee, a passionate young rapper using both her music and her platform to advocate for women’s rights. From calling out inequality to expressing her truths through punchy bars, Brie is asking supporters to nominate her under the Music Video category.

“I am a young passionate woman who stands up and fights for women’s rights,” she declared in a recent post.

Her campaign reflects a larger mission: to use the mic not just to entertain, but to educate and empower.

---

Zanele Cana – Behind the Scenes, But Always in Front

In the business of music, recognition often skips over the powerful women behind the scenes. But Zanele Cana isn’t letting that narrative continue. After two years of building her brand, graduating with an NQF6 in Digital Marketing, and helping others rise, Zanele is putting herself forward for Manager of the Year.

“I’ve campaigned for people and now it’s time I put that effort towards my own name,” she wrote.

Her message is bold, intentional, and long overdue. Zanele’s nomination isn’t just for her—it’s for every woman behind the camera, behind the strategy, and behind the scenes who deserves to be seen.

---

Sankie Fayauman – A Reggae Torchbearer

In a genre that doesn’t always receive the spotlight it deserves, Sankie Fayauman is holding the reggae torch high. Her nomination campaign for Reggae Artist of the Year and Afro Pop Artist of the Year speaks volumes about her versatility and the impact of her voice.

“Blessed uprising! Please vote for Sankie Fayauman. It’s another year of Basadi in Music Awards—let’s vote family.”

More than just a singer, Sankie is a movement of conscious music, championing themes of unity, self-worth, and spiritual resistance. Her music uplifts, and her presence on the Basadi stage is a win for reggae and the women who keep it alive.

---

Dyna Steez – Crowned Queen Returns

2024’s Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Dyna Steez, isn’t done yet. Hailing from Mthatha, she has been pushing boundaries and flying the flag high for Eastern Cape talent. This year, she’s asking fans to nominate her again by SMSing HipHop Dyna Steez to 36391.

She’s already proven she can claim the crown—and now she’s setting the tone for what consistency and excellence look like in South African hip hop. Dyna’s name is becoming synonymous with power, purpose, and progression.

---

Naledi – To the International Stage

No conversation about women in music is complete without mentioning Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane, known simply as Naledi. At just 18 years old, the Inanda-born singer-songwriter is already an international sensation.

Her voice was sampled on Chris Brown’s “Shooter” from his 11:11 album, and in 2024 she won the Sofnfree Afro Pop Artist of the Year award at Basadi, along with nominations for Song of the Year and Collaboration of the Year.

From hit singles like “Uyangijabulisa” to touring with Chris Brown, Naledi is the definition of a global star in the making—and it all started with a dream in a South African classroom.

Foxy Saul - The Inkanyamba Entry

Another queen claiming her space is Foxy Saul, a dominant Xhosa hip-hop artist from the Western Cape, representing Inkanyamba Records. Foxy’s aesthetic is gritty, her flow undeniable, and her presence? Commanding. She doesn’t just rhyme—she represents.

With each verse, she challenges the idea that hip-hop is a boys’ club. For girls from Gugulethu to George, Foxy’s rise is proof that Xhosa rap isn’t just alive—it’s lethal and feminine.

*** Founder Of Basadi In Music Awards (BIMA) - Hloni Modise-Matau.***

She is a seasoned music executive and entrepreneur with years of experience in the South African entertainment industry. Hloni created BIMA in 2022 with the vision of celebrating, empowering, and uplifting women across all areas of the music industry, from artists and DJs to managers and producers. Her mission has always been to create a platform that puts the spotlight on the vital contributions women make to music and the culture at large.

---

Why the Basadi in Music Awards Matter

The Basadi in Music Awards are not just about trophies. They are about visibility, validation, and voice. They remind us that women can thrive in all corners of the music industry—not just as performers, but as producers, engineers, managers, and cultural leaders.

These awards offer young girls real-life role models. They give emerging creatives a sense of belonging in a space that too often excludes them. They give established icons the platform to be celebrated by the very people they inspire.

And most importantly, they remind us that women don’t just belong in the music industry—they’re helping redefine it.

---

***Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep Building Each Other

As Zanele Cana beautifully put it:***

“See why I don’t need target market yezigaxa on my timeline? Asidlali apha—we’re building each other.”

That’s the spirit of Basadi. And whether you’re a fan, a fellow creative, or a dreamer still finding her way, one thing’s for sure—when women rise, the whole culture rises.

Nominations close 30 May 2025 at 23:59. To vote, visit basadiinmusicawards.co.za/nominate2025 or SMS your favourite artist's category and name to 36391 (R1.50/SMS).

Let’s show up. Let’s vote. Let’s celebrate HER.