Laconco delivering her acceptance speech after winning Podcast Presenter of the Year on 2 August 2025, celebrating the achievements of South African women in music and media. Image: Laconic shared via Instagram @_laconco.
(The Post News)– Last night, celebrities took to the green carpet to continue celebrating and honoring South African women in music and entertainment during night 2 of the two-part Basadi in Music Awards, held at the Joburg Theatre. The event, hosted in Women’s Month, celebrates women’s creativity, resilience, and impact across the industry.
The awards kicked off on 1 August with Friday’s Vanguard Awards, which spotlighted the unsung heroines working behind the scenes to help bring the industry to life. These include women creatives, artist managers, producers, or stylists who are deeply entrenched in the space but are not often recognized.
Musician Cici, who won Collaboration of the Year for her feature with Liema Pantsi, praised the Vanguard Awards for their importance, saying, “These awards are so important because the people working behind the scenes rarely get recognized.” Experts in their field, like Bongi “Sis Bongi” Mlotshwa, were honored with the Trailblazer Award for nearly 30 years of excellence in the beauty and television industry.
The night also celebrated key media personalities who have made their mark in broadcasting and production. Radio host, presenter, and producer Relebogile Mabotja, who has been part of the entertainment industry since the early 2000s, was named Entertainment TV Producer of the Year. Media personality and radio host Lootlove received Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year, while businesswoman and former Real Housewives of Durban star Laconco walked away with Podcast Presenter of the Year.
Saturday’s main event shifted focus to the musicians, vocalists, DJs, and performers who continue to shape the sound and soul of South Africa’s creative landscape. Among the standout performances was rapper Rouge, who performed her new song Juice, featuring Nadia Nakai and Moozlie, while gospel legend Dr. Rebecca Malope was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Lamiez Holworthy not only hosted the event but also walked away with the DJ of the Year Award.
Limpopo-born artist Shandesh, and headliner of Makhadzi’s highly anticipated One Woman Show, received the Dance Artist of the Year Award. The upcoming music event is also centered around celebrating the talent and solidarity of South African women foremost. As the country gets closer to Women’s Day, the Basadi in Music Awards continue to set the standard for consistently celebrating the excellence of women for the fourth year in a row.
journalist-lukhona@thepostnews.net
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