Basadi In Music Awards Unveils Powerhouse Advisory Board As Its Celebrates Five Years Of Impact
13 June 2026
As Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) celebrates five years of championing, recognising, and empowering women in music, the organisation is proud to announce the appointment of a distinguished Advisory Board comprising some of Africa’s most accomplished leaders across music, media, business, governance, fashion, healthcare, and the creative industries.
This appointment marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Basadi in Music Awards as the platform continues to expand its influence beyond South Africa and strengthen its position as a leading Pan-African platform dedicated to celebrating and advancing women in music.
Basadi in Music Awards Advisory Board serves as a distinguished collective of industry leaders, creatives, executives, and advocates who provide strategic guidance, insight, and support to advance the mission of the organisation. The Board plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity, credibility, and long-term vision of the Awards by offering expertise on industry trends, governance, stakeholder engagement, and opportunities for growth. Through their collective experience, members help ensure that the Awards continue to celebrate, elevate, and empower women across all sectors of the music industry.
As ambassadors of the Basadi in Music Awards, Advisory Board members will champion the recognition of women’s achievements, promote inclusivity and excellence, strengthen industry partnerships, and support initiatives that drive meaningful change within the South African and African music landscape.
The Advisory Board’s contribution ensures that the Basadi in Music Awards remains a respected and impactful platform dedicated to honouring the remarkable women who shape, influence, and transform the music industry. The Board brings together a remarkable collective of women whose expertise, leadership, and influence have shaped industries, inspired communities, and contributed meaningfully to Africa’s cultural and economic landscape. Their role will be to provide strategic guidance, industry insight, and leadership as BIMA enters its next chapter of growth, impact, and continental expansion.
This announcement comes on the heels of another major milestone for the organisation. Following the closure of nominations for the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards, BIMA recorded its highest number of nominations since inception, demonstrating the growing reach of the platform and the increasing recognition of women making significant contributions to the music and entertainment industries across Africa. Nominees for the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards will be officially announced later this month.
MEET THE BASADI IN MUSIC AWARDS ADVISORY BOARD.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Affectionately known as the "Princess of Africa", Yvonne Chaka Chaka is one of the continent's most celebrated music icons, philanthropists and humanitarians. With a career spanning more than four decades, she has used her platform to champion education, health advocacy, women and youth empowerment, becoming one of Africa's most respected cultural ambassadors and global voices.
Dr. Linah Ngcobo
Dr Linah “Ebony” Ngcobo is a legendary South African music icon, pastor, cultural leader and community builder with over 40 years of influence in music, ministry and mentorship, known for principled leadership and nurturing generations across the creative and social sectors.
Dr. Mpho Phalatse
An award-winning medical doctor, influential nation builder, and global policy voice. She is the former Executive Mayor of Johannesburg and is recognised for her leadership in public health, governance, climate advocacy, and sustainable urban development. She is currently the CEO and Founder of ML Cure Health and Wellness, as well as ML Cure Beauty and Aesthetics. Her commitment to service, innovation, and nation-building has positioned her among South Africa’s most respected leaders.
Janine Starkey
A qualified fashion designer with international certification, Janine Starkey is the founder of Tweak ‘n Style, established in 2003. A graduate of LISOF, stylist, and creative director, she is one of South Africa’s leading image consultants, specialising in corporate and personal brand image. Through fashion, television, and personal branding, Janine has helped transform the way individuals and organisations communicate through visual identity, style, and storytelling.
Dr. Kina Nhlengethwa
A distinguished broadcasting leader and METRO FM Station Manager with a proven track record of driving audience growth, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of radio and media through strategic leadership and excellence.
Lerato Matsoso
A respected music industry executive, communications strategist and cultural advocate, Lerato Matsoso serves as General Manager of Operations at CAPASSO.
With 12 years of experience in journalism, including serving as the former Entertainment Editor for the Daily Sun and Sunday Sun newspapers, she brings a strong media and storytelling background to her work. She plays a pivotal role in advancing intellectual property awareness, strengthening operational excellence and supporting the growth of Africa's creative economy"
Penny Bouwer
A creative entrepreneur and social impact strategist from Eswatini, Penny.B has built an impressive career in artist management, digital marketing and creative development. From pioneering MTN Bushfire’s Firefly youth talent initiative to managing the festival’s annual Arts Round Table and serving as Project Manager for the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, she remains deeply committed to nurturing talent, creating opportunities and strengthening Africa’s creative ecosystem.
Antos Stella
A veteran South African music executive and industry leader with more than three decades of experience in artist development, music business strategy and content distribution. Antos Stella has played a significant role in shaping the African music industry through strategic leadership, landmark partnerships and digital innovation, helping to elevate African music both locally and internationally
Yolanda Sangweni
Yolanda Sangweni is Vice President of Culture Programming at NPR, where she leads strategy across a slate of award wining podcasts and arts and culture coverage. She has led editorial programming and strategy for several American media brands including at ESSENCE where she spent nearly a decade. South African-born and deeply grounded in her heritage, Sangweni’s career has been defined by amplifying culture and the full spectrum of Black women’s stories.
Lala Tuku
Lala Tuku is a respected media executive and strategic leader whose career spans content commissioning, broadcasting, policy development, and creative industry growth across Africa. With over two decades of executive experience and a Master of Fine Arts, she brings a unique combination of commercial acumen, cultural insight, and thought leadership to governance and advisory roles. Her commitment to empowering women, strengthening creative ecosystems, and advancing African storytelling has established her as a trusted voice within the continent’s media and cultural sectors.
Sibu Mabena
Sibu Mabena is an award-winning entrepreneur, creative industry leader and founder of Duma Collective and Golden Thread African Agency. Recognised as one of South Africa's leading voices in the business of creativity, she has built a career connecting brands, talent and audiences through culture-led marketing, entertainment and strategic partnerships. Her work spans some of Africa's most influential campaigns, productions and talent platforms, helping shape the intersection of media, music, commerce and popular culture.
A Harvard Business School alumna and respected international jury member, Sibu has served on leading industry bodies including the ACA Board and the Effie South Africa Committee, and has judged global creative awards such as Cannes Lions, Dubai Lynx, The One Club's Next Creative Leaders and the Loeries. She is widely recognised for her contribution to the growth of Africa's creative economy and her commitment to developing the next generation of creative talent.
Manaileng Maphike
Manaileng Maphike is an accomplished attorney, entertainment law specialist, and Founder & Managing Director of Maphike Attorneys Inc. With expertise spanning intellectual property, media, technology, and commercial law, she is a leading advocate for South Africa’s creative industries.
A Board Member of Music Creators South Africa and member of the Recording Academy, as well as Co-Founder and Chapter Chair of Women in Music South Africa, she is widely respected for protecting artists' rights, advancing music business education, and shaping conversations around the global growth of African music.
Hloni Modise Matau
Founder of the Basadi in Music Awards, Hloni Modise Matau, says the establishment of the Advisory Board represents a defining moment in the organisation's journey.
"As we celebrate five years of the Basadi in Music Awards, we are intentional about building a sustainable institution that will continue to champion women in music for generations to come. This Advisory Board brings together extraordinary leaders whose collective experience, wisdom and passion for Africa will help guide the next chapter of our growth. We are honoured to have these remarkable women walk this journey with us as we continue creating opportunities, driving impact and elevating women across the music and creative industries."
The establishment of the Advisory Board forms part of BIMA's broader strategy to strengthen continental collaboration, expand industry development initiatives and position the platform as a leading voice for women in Africa's creative economy.
As BIMA enters its fifth year, the organisation remains committed to recognising excellence, fostering collaboration, advancing industry development and creating meaningful opportunities for women across Africa.
With record-breaking nominations now closed and anticipation building ahead of the nominee announcement, the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards promises to be its most impactful edition yet.
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