Basadi in Music Awards proudly hosted the unforgettable Queens of the 90s Legends Gala Dinner on 27 March 2025, a night dedicated to honouring the pioneering women who have shaped South Africa’s music, television, and cultural landscape. With an atmosphere of elegance, nostalgia, and deep appreciation, the event brought together industry icons, government leaders, and rising stars in a tribute to resilience and excellence.
Held at the iconic Joburg Theatre, the evening was made possible through the support of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Joburg Theatre, Sofnfree, Maphike Inc, AC Wines, and JMB Online.
A night of unforgettable moments, filled with powerful tributes and emotional highlights. One of the defining moments came when former Minister of Women, Youth and People with Disabilites Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made her entrance, capturing a historic moment as she posed for a photograph with the honourees—a powerful image that will forever be etched in South African music history.
Another emotional highlight was Thembi Seete’s tearful reaction to the Sofnfree showcase, which included a tribute to Boom Shaka’s iconic box braids and other 90s inspired hairstyles, reflecting the era’s lasting impact on beauty and culture.
The event opened with a soul-stirring rendition of The Lord’s Prayer by Khanyo Maphumulo, setting the tone for an evening of reverence and celebration. The MMC of Community Development in Joburg, Tebogo Nkonkou,welcomed guests, followed by a keynote address from MEC Matome Chiloane, who emphasised the importance of recognising and preserving the contributions of women in the creative industry.
Adding to the depth of the evening, Basadi in Music Awards CEO Hloni Modise Matau wore a breathtaking custom-designed dress featuring the faces of the honourees, which she personally sketched, designed by Shalom and hand-painted by Tebogo Mbewu , the dress was a deeply personal tribute to the women who paved the way for future generations.
Honouring the legends, the first set of awards recognised trailblazers such as:
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma: Former Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Dr. Naledi Pandor: Former Minister of International Relations
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle: Television pioneer and talk show host
While video tributes were played for Dr. Pandor and Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, who were unable to attend, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma delivered an inspiring speech about the critical role of women in shaping society.
Throughout the evening, over 30 influential queens were celebrated for their contributions to music, business, and culture. The event also paid tribute to the late Gloria Bosman, Winnie Khumalo, and Sibongile Khumalo, with their children accepting awards on their behalf and the late Lebo Mathosa’s award was collected by Boom Shaka. A special video tribute was played for honourees who could not attend, including Azania Mosaka, Sharon Dee, Dudu Khoza, and Pastor Pushie Watson.
The evening featured stellar, captivating performances, including a nostalgic set by Baby Gee, who took the audience on a journey through the music of the 90s. Dyna Steez, the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards Hip Hop Artist of the Year, debuted a special song in honour of the night’s legends, name-checking each honouree in her lyrics.
Another highlight for the night was international sensation Monique Bingham’s breath taking performance. She received the International Recognition Award.
This moment was particularly significant for Modise Matau, who reflected on how, as a young girl, she used to bring women to the theatre to celebrate Mother’s Day. Now, years later, Joburg Theatre hosted her awards, marking a full-circle moment in her journey of celebrating and uplifting women in the arts.
Mrs Hloni Modise Matau CEO and founder of Basadi in Music Awards said: “the queens of the 90’s gala dinner was a full-circle moment for me. I never imagined that one day I’d be here, honouring these extraordinary women who have had such a profound impact on the South African music industry. It’s incredibly special because I have had the privilege to work with many of the women being honoured. This was more than a celebration; it was a tribute to the collective strength, resilience, and talent of the women who came before us,”
Matome Chiloane, MEC of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, added:
“The queens of the 90’s gala dinner, we celebrated not just the incredible women who have shaped our music industry but also the broader impact that these women have had in uplifting our communities. Basadi in Music Awards is a testament to the strength, resilience, and talent of South African women, and we are proud to support this important initiative.”
Xoliswa Nduneni, CEO of Joburg Theatre, said:
“Joburg Theatre is not just a space for performances; it is a cultural hub that has long been dedicated to celebrating South African excellence. It is an honour to have hosted the Basadi in Music Awards here and to have the opportunity to celebrate the queens of the 90s who laid the foundation for many of today’s artists. That evening will go down in history, and we are proud to have been part of it.”
The success of the Queens of the 90s Legends Gala Dinner would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our incredible partners. Basadi in Music Awards extends heartfelt gratitude to the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Joburg Theatre, Sofnfree, Maphike Inc, AC Wines, and JMB Online for their dedication to empowering and celebrating women in the creative industry.
Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) is a pioneering platform dedicated to honouring the contributions of women in the South African music industry. Through recognising their creativity, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements, BIMA shines a spotlight on the women who have shaped the industry and continues to inspire future generations of female talent.
With each event, Basadi in Music Awards reaffirms its mission to elevate and celebrate the voices of phenomenal women—because we say their names, we say their names.
Link to the Queens of the 90’s Legends Gala Dinner pictures:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16VVgA_GhleGydfAUaak9cDKOwy1gnMBn?usp=drive_link
Photo cred: Junior Photography
List of the recipients is as follows:
Special Awards
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma: Former Minister of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities
Dr. Naledi Pandor: Former Minister of International Relations
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle: Television pioneer and talk show host
Musicians
KB Motsilanyane
Nhlanhla Mafu
Sharon Dee
Thembi Seete
The late Lebo Mathosa
Khanyo Maphumulo
Andile Gaelisiwe
Thandiswa Mazwai
Claire Johnston
Margaret Motsage
Nestum Nyakale
Hazel “Ma-H” Mzolo
Queen Iyaya
Wanda Baloyi
Phinda Mtya-Matlala
Candy Tsa Mandebele
Nurse Matlala
Kholeka
Baby Gee
Nokwazi
The Late Winnie Khumalo
The late Sbongile Khumalo
The late Gloria Bosman
TV Presenters
Claire Mawisa
Mel Bala
Zandi Nhlapo
Pushie Watson
Vinolia “V-mash” Mashego
Radio
Penny Lebyane
Azania Mosaka
Phindi Gule-Burley
Twasa
Mapaseka Mokwele
Dudu Khoza
Journalists
Babalwa Shota
Sonia Motaung
Social Media Handles
Facebook: Basadi In Music Awards
Twitter: Basadi_awards
Tik Tok: basadiinmusicawards
Instagram: Basadiinmusicawards_sa
Website: www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za
