Basadi in Music Awards is proud to announce that South African gospel legend Dr Rebecca Malope will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s ceremony, taking place on Saturday, 2 August 2025 at the iconic Joburg Theatre.
Widely celebrated as The Queen of Gospel, Dr Malope’s career spans over four decades, with more than 36 albums to her name and over 10 million records sold worldwide. Her music has not only topped charts but also uplifted generations becoming a spiritual and cultural cornerstone in South Africa and beyond.
Born Batsogile Lovederia Malope in Lekazi, Mpumalanga, she overcame early health challenges and poverty to pursue her passion for music. At just 16, she and her sister walked nearly 400 km to Johannesburg in search of opportunity. Her breakthrough came in 1987 when she won the Shell Road to Fame competition with her gospel anthem “Shine On”a song that resonated deeply during South Africa’s apartheid era.
Dr Malope’s impact goes far beyond music. She hosted the beloved TV show It’s Gospel Time for 15 years, served as a judge on Clash of the Choirs, and was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga (OIS) by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2021 for her contribution to South African arts.
"Honouring Dr Rebecca Malope is more than symbolic it is essential. Her music has uplifted, healed, and given voice to untold emotions and faith," says Mrs Hloni Modise, CEO of Basadi in Music Awards. “She embodies everything the Basadi platform stands for: courage, excellence, and purpose.”
The ceremony will be hosted at the Joburg Theatre, a cultural cornerstone of South African performance arts. "It’s an honour for us to host this iconic celebration. Dr Malope’s recognition here is historic," adds Xoliswa Nduneni, CEO of Joburg Theatre.
Basadi in Music Awards 2025 will be a night of tribute, talent, and triumph raising the voices and stories of women who shape South Africa’s rhythm.
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