Basadi Music Awards 2026: Full Nominee List Revealed

Basadi Music Awards 2026 Nominees Span The Continent

The Basadi Music Awards 2026 nominees were announced online on June 18. Categories cover artists, media personalities, and industry professionals across Africa. AfrobeatsGlobal pulled the full breakdown so you don’t have to dig for it. Notably, Nigerian star Ayra Starr earned a nomination alongside South Africa’s biggest names.

 

The Artist of the Year category looks especially competitive this year. Ayra Starr competes against Tyla, MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter, and Zee Nxumalo. Meanwhile, Kharishma, Mmatema, and Shandesh round out an already loaded field. Picking a winner here feels nearly impossible.

Amapiano gets its own dedicated spotlight too. DBN Gogo, Kamo Mphela, and Uncle Waffles all earned nominations in that category. Additionally, Nigerian gospel singer Ada Ehi picked up a nod for “Maberumo,” proving the awards reach beyond South African borders. That cross-border recognition matters for the genre’s growth.

Other Standout Basadi Music Awards 2026 Categories

The Afro-Pop Artist of the Year list features Kelly Khumalo, Aya Msani, and Lesotho’s Maleh. Meanwhile, Collaboration of the Year recognizes pairings like Cici and Naledi Aphiwe’s “Amen.” DJ Zinhle and Thabsie SA also earned a nomination for “Kusazokhanya.”

Beyond the music categories, the Vanguard side honors industry professionals too. Journalists, stylists, radio presenters, and managers all get recognized for their work. Therefore, the full list stretches across nearly every corner of the entertainment business.

AfrobeatsGlobal will keep tracking the Basadi Music Awards as the ceremony approaches. This list confirms one thing clearly. African women continue shaping the sound and business of music across the continent. You can check their website link, Meet the Basadi in Music Awards™ 2026 Nominees.

Who are you rooting for at the Basadi Music Awards 2026? Drop your picks in the comments below. Share this post with a friend who loves award season, and follow AfrobeatsGlobal for full coverage. Check out our previous blog post on SAMA32 Nominees Announcement Set For June 25.

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