Basadi in Music Awards Strengthens African Expansion With New Advisory Board
The Basadi in Music Awards has entered a new growth phase after announcing the formation of a new Advisory Board during its fifth anniversary year. The move signals a stronger push to expand the organisation’s footprint across Africa and strengthen its role in the continent’s music industry. The awards platform has positioned itself as a major force in recognising women in music since its launch. Its leadership says the new structure will help guide long term strategy and improve industry impact. The announcement also comes at a time when the organisation is experiencing record engagement ahead of its 2026 edition.
The Advisory Board brings together experienced professionals from music, media, business, healthcare, law and creative industries across Africa and the diaspora. One of the most prominent appointments is veteran musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka, whose decades of experience in African music and advocacy add weight to the board. Other members include Dr Linah Ngcobo, Dr Mpho Phalatse, Janine Starkey, Dr Kina Nhlengethwa, Lerato Matsoso and Penny Bouwer. The list also features Antos Stella, Yolanda Sangweni, Lala Tuku, Sibu Mabena and Manaileng Maphike. Each member brings expertise that spans leadership, governance, media strategy and creative development.
The organisation stated that the Advisory Board will focus on strengthening governance structures and improving strategic direction. It will also advise on partnerships, stakeholder engagement and opportunities for growth within the creative economy. A key priority will be supporting programmes that advance women working in music across Africa. The board is expected to help the organisation respond to changing industry trends and expand its influence beyond South Africa. This approach reflects a wider goal of building a sustainable platform that supports long term industry transformation.
The announcement follows a major milestone for the Basadi in Music Awards, which reported its highest number of nominations since its inception. Entry submissions closed for the 2026 edition, and anticipation is building for the official nominee reveal later this month. Organisers say the surge in nominations reflects growing recognition of women’s contributions across multiple music genres. It also shows increasing industry trust in the platform as a leading awards body. The 2026 ceremony is expected to be the largest edition to date.
Founder Hloni Modise Matau described the creation of the Advisory Board as a key step in building a lasting institution. She emphasised that the organisation aims to ensure long term relevance and stronger support for women in music. She also highlighted that the board’s collective experience will guide the next phase of growth and expansion across the continent. According to the organisation, the initiative is designed to deepen collaboration within Africa’s creative industries. The broader vision is to elevate women in music while strengthening the continent’s creative economy.
As the Basadi in Music Awards marks five years, the introduction of the Advisory Board reflects a shift from establishment to consolidation and expansion. The organisation is now focused on scaling its impact and building stronger industry networks across Africa. With increased nominations, a strengthened leadership structure and a clear development strategy, the platform is positioning itself for a more influential role. The coming 2026 edition will serve as a major test of this new direction. The organisation’s next steps will likely define its long term place in Africa’s music landscape.
