Media personality and businesswoman Bonang Matheba will be honoured with the prestigious Trailblazer Award at the fifth annual Basadi in Music Awards, in recognition of her contribution to South Africa’s entertainment industry and her impact as an entrepreneur.
The award will be presented during the ceremony at the Joburg Theatre on Saturday.
The accolade recognises individuals whose vision, innovation and leadership have transformed the entertainment industry while creating opportunities for future generations.
Matheba’s influence stretches beyond TV screens
Basadi in Music Awards founder and CEO Hloni Modise Matau said Matheba’s influence stretches far beyond television screens.
“Some people succeed within an industry. Bonang Matheba transformed it. She showed an entire generation of African women that it is possible to dream without limits, occupy spaces once thought unattainable and build a globally respected brand while remaining unapologetically African,” she said.
Matheba first rose to prominence as a television presenter on LIVE, later Live Amp, before becoming one of South Africa’s most recognisable radio personalities through stints at YFM and Metro FM.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has fronted some of the continent’s biggest entertainment events, including the South African Music Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the BET Awards international red carpet.
Away from broadcasting, Matheba has established herself as one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs through her luxury sparkling wine brand, House of BNG, while also producing and starring in the reality series Being Bonang and authoring the bestselling memoir From A to B.
‘Not just recognition, it’s affirmation’
Reacting to the honour, Matheba said the recognition carried special meaning because it came from women within the industry.
“An award like this means so much because it’s not just recognition, it’s affirmation from women who understand exactly what it took to get here.
“It has made me reflect on why I started House of BNG and the Bonang Matheba Foundation. Building something bigger than yourself is always worth it, and this award is a reminder to keep opening doors for the next generation.”
She added that her ambition was to continue growing House of BNG beyond South Africa and showcase African luxury on the global stage.
SABC2 head of video entertainment Dichaba Phalatse described Matheba as a broadcaster and cultural ambassador who had consistently raised the standard of excellence while representing South Africa on international platforms.
The Basadi in Music Awards, now in its fifth year, celebrate women making significant contributions across the music industry. This year’s theme is Rewind, with the campaign Africa to the World. The ceremony takes place at the Joburg Theatre on August 8.
- Bonang Matheba will receive the Trailblazer Award at the fifth annual Basadi in Music Awards for her impact on South Africa’s entertainment industry and entrepreneurship.
- The Basadi in Music Awards ceremony will be held at the Joburg Theatre on Saturday, August 8.
- Matheba rose to prominence as a television presenter on LIVE/Live Amp and became a well-known radio personality on YFM and Metro FM.
- She is also a successful entrepreneur with her luxury sparkling wine brand House of BNG and has authored the memoir From A to B.
- The award honours individuals whose vision and leadership have transformed entertainment and created opportunities for future generations.
