The Basadi in Music Awards is proud to announce award-winning broadcaster, media personality and cultural tastemaker LootLove as the official host of the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards Vanguard Awards, taking place on Friday, 7 August 2026, at the Joburg Theatre.
Having been crowned Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards, LootLove returns to the Basadi stage in a new role, bringing her signature charisma, authenticity and passion for celebrating women in the creative industries. Her journey from winner to host is a true reflection of what the Basadi in Music Awards stands for: recognising excellence, celebrating achievement and creating opportunities for women to continue inspiring the next generation.
The Basadi in Music Awards Vanguard Awards is one of the most prestigious evenings on the Basadi calendar. Dedicated to celebrating the women who work tirelessly behind the scenes of the music industry, the Vanguard Awards recognises the visionaries whose work drives the industry forward. From artist managers, producers, publicists, music executives, promoters, booking agents, stylists, radio producers, music journalists and many others, the evening shines a spotlight on the women whose influence is often unseen, yet indispensable.
Hloni Modise Matau, Chief Executive Officer of the Basadi in Music Awards, said:
"LootLove embodies everything the Basadi in Music Awards stands for. She is authentic, fearless, accomplished and continues to use her voice to inspire others. Having received the Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year award last year, it is incredibly fitting to welcome her back as the host of our Vanguard Awards. Her journey from winner to host is a powerful reminder of what is possible when women are recognised, celebrated and given the platform they deserve.
The Vanguard Awards holds a very special place in our hearts because it shines a light on the phenomenal women whose work often happens behind the scenes. These are the managers, producers, executives, publicists, stylists, journalists, promoters and industry leaders who continue to shape African music every single day. Their contributions deserve to be celebrated with the same admiration as those on stage, and the Vanguard Awards is our way of honouring their excellence.
As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we are incredibly encouraged by the overwhelming public support we have received. Surpassing 100,000 public votes is more than just a milestone—it is proof that audiences believe in celebrating and recognising the incredible women who continue to shape African music. We encourage fans to keep the momentum going by voting for their favourite nominees before voting officially closes on Friday, 18 July 2026."
Speaking about her appointment, LootLove said:
"The Basadi in Music Awards has become such an important platform for recognising and celebrating women who continue to shape our industry. To return as host after receiving an award myself is truly an honour. I look forward to celebrating the incredible women whose dedication, resilience and excellence continue to move our industry forward. It's going to be a beautiful evening of recognition, inspiration and celebration."
Ms Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Attorneys Inc., said:
“It is a true honour to welcome LootLove as the host of the second Basadi in Music Awards Vanguard Awards. Her professionalism, authenticity and remarkable ability to connect with audiences make her the perfect choice to lead this special celebration. She brings a unique energy and presence that will undoubtedly elevate the evening and create an unforgettable experience for our guests. We are excited to have her join us as we honour the exceptional women shaping the music industry behind the scenes.”
"Joburg Theatre is honoured to once again welcome the Basadi In Music Awards to a venue that has long been a home for artistic excellence, cultural expression and the celebration of South African talent. As an institution committed to nurturing the creative economy and providing platforms for diverse voices to thrive, we are proud to partner with an event that recognises and elevates the remarkable achievements of women in music. As the Basadi In Music Awards celebrates its fifth anniversary, we applaud its continued impact in shaping the future of the industry, inspiring the next generation of creatives and amplifying African stories through the power of music. We look forward to hosting an unforgettable celebration that reflects the very best of our count", Said Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres
“The Basadi in Music Awards is more than an awards ceremony; it is a celebration of the women whose talent, resilience and leadership continue to shape South Africa’s cultural landscape. At SABC 2, as The Heart of the Nation, Beating for Today, we are proud to partner with a platform that recognises excellence while inspiring the next generation of women in music and entertainment. LootLove’s journey from award recipient to host perfectly reflects the power of creating opportunities and celebrating growth. We are equally proud to see Luthando Shosha, whose broadcasting journey began through an SABC 1 presenter search, continue to flourish on one of the country’s biggest stages. These are the kinds of South African success stories that embody the spirit of SABC 2 and reinforce our commitment to showcasing content that unites, inspires and reflects the heartbeat of our nation.” Said Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager: SABC Video Entertainment
The excitement surrounding the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards continues to build, with the public voting campaign having now surpassed 100,000 votes and still counting. The overwhelming response reflects the growing support for celebrating women in music across South Africa and the African continent.
Public voting remains open until Friday, 18 July 2026, at 23:59 (SAST). Fans are encouraged to continue supporting their favourite nominees by casting their votes at www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za and helping decide who will take home this year's coveted Basadi in Music Awards.
As the Basadi in Music Awards celebrates its fifth anniversary, guests are invited to embrace this year's dress code, "Your Favourite BIMA Theme." This unique theme encourages attendees to revisit and reinterpret their favourite Basadi in Music Awards theme from previous editions, celebrating five years of unforgettable fashion moments, African elegance, creativity and excellence. Whether inspired by timeless glamour, bold couture or contemporary African luxury, guests are encouraged to arrive in their most iconic interpretation of a past BIMA theme.
Fans, family, friends and industry supporters are invited to be part of this unforgettable evening as the industry celebrates the women whose work often happens behind the scenes, but whose impact is felt across every stage, every song and every success story.
Tickets to the Basadi in Music Awards Vanguard Awards are now available for R300 each via www.joburgtheatre.co.za.
Join us on Friday, 7 August 2026, as we honour the remarkable women who continue to shape the African music industry from behind the scenes and celebrate five years of recognising excellence through the Basadi in Music Awards.
The celebrations continue on Saturday, 8 August 2026, with the fifth annual Basadi in Music Awards, Africa's premier celebration of women in music.
