The Basadi in Music Awards 2025 kicked off in grand style on Friday night at the iconic Joburg Theatre, opening with the Vanguard Awards — a special evening dedicated to honouring the extraordinary women who drive the entertainment industry from behind the scenes. From artist managers to hairstylists, radio producers to journalists, these women are the heartbeat of the culture, ensuring that every performance, show, and sound reaches audiences in its most polished form.
Guests embraced the night’s elegant theme, “Symphony of Harmony: The Four Elements of Nature,” arriving dressed in stunning ensembles that paid homage to earth, air, fire, and water — symbolizing the power and flow these women bring to the industry.
Two extraordinary women took centre stage as they received top honours for their outstanding contributions:
Portia Mngomezulu, founder and CEO of Portia M Skin Solutions, was awarded the Mosadi in Business Award, presented by Brand South Africa.
Portia’s journey is one of resilience and innovation. From humble beginnings, she transformed a family remedy involving Marula oil into a renowned skincare brand now stocked in major retailers like Clicks, Pick n Pay, Game, and Shoprite. Despite facing challenges in funding and visibility, Portia remained committed to her vision — creating products that celebrate African beauty while empowering women and communities across the continent.
Bongi Mlotshwa, affectionately known as “Sis Bongi,” was honoured with the Trailblazer of the Year Award for over three decades of excellence in South Africa’s creative and entertainment industries.
As one of the country’s most respected makeup artists, Bongi has helped shape the visual identity of iconic productions such as Generations, Uzalo, and The River. A pioneer in her field, she was the first Black makeup artist on major shows like Idols SA and SuperSport. Through her Plan B Beauty Team, she continues to mentor and uplift young artists from underprivileged backgrounds, opening doors and breaking barriers for the next generation.
This year’s Vanguard Award recipients reflect the immense talent and dedication working tirelessly behind the spotlight:
Artist Manager of the Year – Tholsi Pillay
Makeup Artist of the Year – Nomsa Madida
Hairstylist of the Year – Tumelo MJ Afrobotique
Entertainment Journalist of the Year – Mapule Pule
Choreographer of the Year – Tlhogi Molefi
Entertainment TV Presenter of the Year – Zanele Potelwa
Podcast Presenter of the Year – Laconco
Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year – Lootlove
Entertainment TV Producer of the Year – Relebogile Mabotja
Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year – Noni Khumalo
The first night of the Basadi in Music Awards 2025 wasn’t just about accolades — it was a powerful celebration of women in entertainment, brought to life through unforgettable performances.
Moneoa opened the evening with a soulful set that set the tone for the night. The legendary Zama Jobe followed, delivering a heartfelt performance that captivated the audience. A dynamic hip-hop medley featuring Dyna Steez, Moozlie, Rouge, and Nadia Nakai electrified the stage, showcasing the strength and presence of women in the genre. The night closed with a mesmerising performance by Babalwa M, leaving the crowd inspired and uplifted.
What made these performances even more meaningful was the knowledge that behind every artist stood the very women being celebrated — the managers, stylists, producers, and creatives honoured earlier in the evening. It was a true showcase of the collaborative spirit that fuels the industry.
Hloni Modise-Matau, CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards, reflected on the platform’s growth:
“What began as a single night of recognition has evolved into a two-day celebration of women’s excellence in music and entertainment. This mirrors the rising influence of women across the industry — not just on stage, but in boardrooms, studios, and creative spaces. Tonight, we honoured the women whose work often goes unseen but is vital to the success of our artists and our industry. Basadi in Music exists to spotlight their talent, dedication, and the powerful role they play in shaping South Africa’s music landscape.”