Why is it important to celebrate women or recognise their efforts and talents on their own?

[Image:Mdundo.com]

Writer: Linda Mzapi

Download Kamba Dj Mixes On Mdundo

Surely, there are a lot of Awards around South Africa and beyond that celebrate both male and female artists.

Why then is there a need to specifically celebrate female artists on their own? Held at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa on 10 August 2024, the awards lived up to its billing of supporting and celebrating female artists.

These are more than just awards. They address the persistent gender disparities in the music industry. Even though many awards recognize both males and females, women often face systemic challenges, such as underrepresentation, lack of recognition, and fewer opportunities. 

The Basadi In Music Awards (BIMA) are  dedicated to highlighting  and celebrating the achievements of women, helping to amplify their voices, inspire future generations, and push the industry toward greater gender equality.

Mdundo is such a platform that is dedicated to give female artists the same opportunity as male artists. During the voting process Mdundo actively participated in helping the female artists on the platform garner enough votes to win.

Among the nominated female artists were the following:

Nomcebo, Makhadzi, Sneziey Msomi, Kamo Mphela, Tyla, Zaza Mokheti, Xolly Mncwango, Nkosazana Daughter, Mawhoo, Reign Afrika, Kelly Khumalo,Nhlanhla Mafu, Lady Zamar and Nadia Nakai.

The female artists were nominated for different awards categories.

DJ Zinhle walked away with DJ of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Trailblazer award, whilst Tyla received the International Achievement Award with her song Water winning both Song of the Year and Song with the Highest Airplay recognition.

Makhadzi who also recently scooped an award at the BET Awards also scooped the Dance Artist of the Year and the International Achievement Award whilst Kamo Mphela was awarded the Amapiano Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year category.

Reign Afrika received the Reggae Artist of the Year whilst Zaza Mokhethi won the Gospel of the Artist Award.  As we celebrate women’s month this August in South Africa the celebration of female artists does not end at the BIMA Awards it continues  beyond the confinements of the Joburg Theatre.

Mdundo has dedicated this month to  celebrating female artists through curation of DJ Mixes specifically by our female artists.

You can download these DJ Mixes on Mdundo.com