Zee Nxumalo is stepping into the spotlight again after a surprisingly rough night at the Metro FM Music Awards, where she left empty-handed despite being nominated in all seven categories. Now, as she heads toward the fifth edition of the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA), the “Funk 55” hitmaker is being tipped as one of the most compelling names to watch.
Key takeaways
- Zee Nxumalo previously faced disappointment at the Metro FM Music Awards after losing all seven awards she was nominated for.
- For the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards, she leads the nominations in music categories with six nods.
- Her shortlist includes Artist of the Year, Amapiano Artist of the Year, Best Styled Artist of the Year, and Collaboration of the Year.
- BIMA is expanding internationally for the first time in its fifth year, with selected categories now open to African nominees beyond South Africa.
- TV presenter Kuhle Adams has earned a TV Show Presenter of the Year nomination for Expresso, tied to her tenth anniversary on television.
Zee Nxumalo’s big nomination push
The singer has secured six nominations across the music categories—more than any other artist in this year’s lineup. She is in the running for major honours including Artist of the Year, Amapiano Artist of the Year, Best Styled Artist of the Year and Collaboration of the Year, among other categories, placing her in direct competition with leading figures in South African and wider pan-African music.
Speaking about her Artist of the Year nomination, Nxumalo shared that the recognition gave her a chance to pause and reassess a year she described as a blessing—one packed with milestones she says she didn’t always slow down to acknowledge in the moment.
“Honestly, ngijabula kakhulu. I was genuinely happy when I found out,” she said. She added that being nominated alongside so many accomplished women already felt meaningful, regardless of what happens on the night. She continued: “I took a moment to reflect on how far I’ve come and everything that’s happened along the way.”
BIMA goes bigger as international nominees enter
This year’s nominations also signal a shift for BIMA itself. With the awards now in their fifth year, the event is branching out beyond South Africa for the first time—opening certain categories to nominees from across the continent.
The change is reflected in categories such as Artist of the Year, where Nigerian star Ayra Starr and Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla appear alongside Nxumalo, Mmatema and Nkosazana Daughter. The expansion can also be seen in the DJ and Dance Music sections, with Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles among those competing.
Meanwhile, television presenter Kuhle Adams has been named among the nominees for TV Show Presenter of the Year for her work on Expresso. Adams noted that this year’s nomination feels different because it coincides with her tenth anniversary on television. She said the decade-long milestone has been grounding, and that the people who helped shape her journey over the years will be celebrated in the moment—no matter the results when voting closes.
Adams will face stiff competition from Nomalanga Shozi, former DRUM magazine cover star Candice Modiselle Sello, and Penny Lebyane.
Full list of 2026 Basadi in Music Awards nominees
TV Show Presenter of the Year
- Candice Modiselle Sello (One Gospel Easter Music Special)
- Kuhle Adams (Expresso)
- Nomalanga Shozi (Playlist @ Moloko)
- Penny Lebyane (Enklek Let’s Connect)
Amapiano Artist of the Year
- Zee Nxumalo
- DBN Gogo
- Kamo Mphela
- MaWhoo
- Nkosazana Daughter
- Nobuhle
- Thatohatsi
- Artist of the Year
- Zee Nxumalo
- Tyla
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Kharishma
- MaWhoo
- Mmatema
- Nkosazana Daughter
- Shandesh
Afro Pop Artist of the Year
- Aya Msani – Sondela
- Kelly Khumalo – Nyamezela
- Maleh – Khotso Le Lesedi (Lesotho)
- Nonny Muji – Lo Bhuti
- Pretty Masompisi – eKhaya
- Phumla Music – Brand New
Best Female Feature of the Year
- De Rose – Lutho
- Kabza De Small featuring Nontokozo Mkhize & Mthunzi – Siyabonga
- Kabza De Small, MDU aka TRP featuring Zawadi Yamungu – Lawuleka
- Kelvin Momo featuring Zee_nhle, Mashudu & Mano – Spani Sam
- MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay, Jazzworx & Thukuthela featuring Tracy & Thatohatsi – Tholukuthi (Bengicela)
- Sam Deep, Nia Pearl & Boohle featuring Mano – Shela
Best Styled Artist of the Year
- DJ Lamiez
- DJ Zinhle
- Nia Pearl
- Thabsie SA
- Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
- Zawadi Yamungu
- Zee Nxumalo
Collaboration of the Year
- Cici & Naledi Aphiwe – Amen
- DJ Zinhle & Thabsie SA – Kusazokhanya
- Erin Elliot & Sophia Frank – Birthday Cake
- Lwah Ndlukulu & Starr Healer – Allowance
- MaWhoo & Zee Nxumalo – Sesamukela
- Mamakie Motlogelwa & Mmaausi – Chuku
Dance Music Artist of the Year
- Babes Wodumo
- DJ Zinhle & Liema Pantsi
- Kharishma
- Shandesh
- Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
- DBN Gogo
- DJ Lesa
- Kasi Duchaz
- Kele Megano
- LKG
- Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
- Gospel Artist of the Year
- Ada Ehi – Maberumo (Nigeria)
- Futhi Mhlongo – Phat Igama LikaJesu
- HLE – Blessed
- Mmatema – Oa Ntwanela
- Musa Yende – Kubo Bonke
You can also check the Vangiard categories, which include Artist Manager of the Year, Entertainment Journalist of the Year, Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year, Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year, Producer of the Year, Makeup Artist of the Year, Podcast Presenter of the Year, and Stylist of the Year.
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