Nigerian Journalist Ivie Ani Wins Entertainment Journalist of the Year at Basadi in Music Awards Fifth Anniversary
On 8 August 2026, the fifth annual Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs) celebrated its anniversary at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, awarding Nigerian entertainment journalist Ivie Ani the title of Entertainment Journalist of the Year. The ceremony, themed REWIND Your BIMA, Your Way, marked five years of the awards’ focus on women across South Africa’s music and broader entertainment industries.
The event highlighted professionals from the entire entertainment value chain, including artist management, journalism, radio, television, beauty, fashion and podcasting. Ani’s win underscored the awards’ expanding Pan‑African reach, as women from across the continent were represented in the programme. The ceremony also served as a platform for recognising talent beyond the most visible parts of the industry.
"Africa has never lacked talent. What we have needed are more platforms that allow us to see that talent, connect it and celebrate it collectively," said BIMA founder and chief executive Hloni Modise. Modise added that the fifth anniversary was an opportunity to assess the awards’ development and consider future direction.
Managing director of Maphike Inc. and a member of the Basadi Advisory Board, Manaileng Maphike, noted the importance of visibility for women whose work often extends beyond the spotlight. "There is power in being seen. These women have built careers, created opportunities and contributed to an industry that continues to evolve," Maphike said.
Other recipients on the first night included Sannah Thwala, who took home Artist Manager of the Year; Boipelo Mooketsi, Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year; and Letty Nyathela Chili, Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year. Smangele Sibisi was named Hairstylist of the Year, while Zamo Dlamini received Makeup Artist of the Year. Candice Modiselle earned TV Show Presenter of the Year, and Khanyisile Mdletshe was awarded Stylist of the Year. Entertainment TV Producer of the Year went to Minnie Dlamini, and Khanyi Mars was named Podcast Presenter of the Year.
The fifth edition of the Basadi in Music Awards continues the organisation’s focus on recognising women across different areas of the entertainment industry while expanding its reach beyond South Africa. The inclusion of Ani, a Nigerian journalist, among the winners reflects the awards’ stated ambition to create a platform that connects and celebrates women across the continent.
The awards ceremony, held under the anniversary theme REWIND Your BIMA, Your Way, reflected on the contribution of women to Africa’s creative industries and celebrated the growth of the platform over its first five years. The event was part of a broader effort to broaden the awards’ geographic scope, with organisers announcing a major expansion that will open the platform to women across Africa.
As the awards continue to evolve, the fifth anniversary serves as a milestone that highlights the growing recognition of women’s contributions to the music and entertainment sectors across Africa.
