Latest news with #VanguardAwards
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Tholsi Pillay shares victory with Wouter Kellerman at Basadi Women in Music Awards
Pillay is not only Kellerman's manager but also his business partner as co-owner of Kellerman Music. In her acceptance speech at the Basadi Women in Music Awards, where she was named the Artist Manager of the Year, Tholsi Pillay didn't use the opportunity to speak about herself but to celebrate her artist, Wouter Kellerman. '[It's] maybe because I grew up in a community and my dad always said 'people around you, make you',' shared Pillay. Now in their fourth edition, the Basadi awards took place over two days, on Friday and Saturday. The former, which was dubbed the Vanguard Awards, saw the recognition of women in often-overlooked roles – from managers and producers to stylists and other creatives who drive the industry's success stories. Pillay was among these winners. ALSO READ: Laconco, Lootlove and Relebogile Mabotja among big winners at Basadi in Music Vanguard Awards Bond with Woutrer Pillay is not only Kellerman's manager, but is also his business partner as the co-owner of Kellerman Music. She has played an instrumental role in shaping the career of the three-time Grammy Award-winning flautist, composer, and producer. 'We're like two peas in a pod. When we started, nobody wanted us…that's why I always include him. I mean, we started the company together, we started this music career together.' Best buds: Tholis Pillay with Wouter Kellerman at the Forbes Woman Africa. Picture: Supplied Their independent journey – without the backing of a major record label – has been nothing short of ground-breaking, proving that passion, perseverance, and innovation can rival the most prominent players in the industry. She sees Kellerman's victory as her soulmate. 'Soulmates don't have to be partners, or lovers or whatever. Soulmates can be best friends, they could be anything,' shared Pillay. She and Kellerman have been friends for more than 30 years now. ALSO READ: Wouter Kellerman: Flautist soars on the winds of success [VIDEO] Selfless Pillay 'I feel I'm winning to make all of us, women and men who work behind the scenes and bring vision to life…I'm winning to give us presence.' She says this sense of selflessness is something she got from her parents. 'If my mom and dad didn't make me who I am today, I wouldn't be here. They were the kindest,' Pillay says. Pillay was born and bred in Shallcross, a suburb of Queensburgh in KwaZulu-Natal and had a humble upbringing. Her father worked in maintenance, while my mother was employed at a framing company. Before going into music and artist management, Pillay worked in Human Resources and Labour Relations, which equipped her with the skills to negotiate, strategise and lead with precision. She is the former Chair of the Music Managers Forum of South Africa and Vice Chair of the renowned Moshito Music Conference. She has continuously advocated for artist development, fair representation and sustainable growth within the African music industry. ALSO READ: Ntokozo Mbambo named as CeCe Winans' supporting act after honouring Rebecca Malope 2025 is the year for Pillay Artist managers don't usually get time under the spotlight to shine, but 2025 has been special for Pillay. In March 2025, she was honoured with the prestigious Forbes Woman Africa Champion of Entertainment Award, and now she has the Basadi award. 'Lira and Wouter [Kellerman] said to me, 'This is your year'. To get messages like this makes both awards so special. It makes me feel appreciated.' Pillay is also a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammys), playing an active role in shaping the future of global music. Additionally, she has co-produced and co-directed several of Kellerman's music videos, further cementing her creative and executive influence in his artistic journey. Beyond her work with Kellerman, Pillay played an essential role in bringing South African choirs into the global spotlight, including facilitating their journey to the finals of America's Got Talent (AGT). She worked closely with the Ndlovu Youth Choir and Mzansi Youth Choir, orchestrating viral performances that captured the world's attention and opened new doors for South African talent on an unprecedented scale. NOW READ: Minnie Dlamini sues MacG and Sol Phenduka for R2.5 million over podcast remarks
The Citizen
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Laconco among big winners at Basadi in Music Vanguard Awards
The Vanguard Awards recognise women in often-overlooked roles. The fourth annual Basadi in Music awards commenced with the Vanguard Awards on Friday, 1 August, in a dazzling opening night at the Joburg Theatre. The Vanguard Awards recognise women in often-overlooked roles – from managers and producers to stylists and other creatives who drive the industry's success stories. Among the night's big winners were popular media personalities Laconco, who walked away with podcast presenter of the year, and Lootlove, who scooped entertainment radio presenter of the year. Radio host and producer Relebogile Mabotja was named entertainment TV producer of the year. The ceremony was brought to life with soul-stirring performances by Moneoa and Zama Jobe, followed by a high-energy hip-hop medley featuring Dyna Steez, Moozlie, Rouge and Nadia Nakai. The evening concluded with a soulful set by Babalwa M. ASLO READ: Dr Rebecca Malope to receive lifetime honour at Basadi in Music Awards Recognising often overlooked Speaking to The Citizen, musician Cici emphasised the significance of the Vanguard Awards in recognising contributions that are often overlooked by the industry. 'These awards are so important because the people working behind the scenes rarely get recognised. That includes journalists – you're the ones who give us a platform, who make sure people hear about us, see us and get to know who we are beyond just being artists.' The evening also saw special honours awarded to two trailblazing women. Portia Mngomezulu, founder and CEO of Portia M Skin Solutions, received the Mosadi in Business award, presented by Brand South Africa. Bongi 'Sis Bongi' Mlotshwa was named trailblazer of the year for over three decades of excellence in beauty and television. Basadi in Music CEO Hloni Modise-Matau highlighted the growth of the awards, noting it reflects the rising influence of women in all corners of the industry, from the stage to boardrooms, studios and behind the scenes creative spaces. 'What began as a single night of recognition has grown into a two-day celebration of women's excellence in music and entertainment,' she said. 'Tonight we honoured the women whose work often goes unseen but is vital to the success of the artists and the industry. Basadi in Music exists to spotlight their talent, their dedication and the powerful role they play in shaping South Africa's music landscape.' The festivities continue this evening, Saturday 2 August, with the spotlight shifting to the artists themselves at the main Music Awards ceremony, also taking place at the Joburg Theatre. Full list of Vanguard Award winners: Artist manager of the year – Tholsi Pillay Make-up artist of the year – Nomsa Madida Hairstylist of the year – Tumelo MJ Afrobotique Entertainment journalist of the year – Mapule Pule Choreographer of the year – Tlhogi Molefi Entertainment TV presenter of the year – Zanele Potelwa Entertainment radio presenter of the year – Lootlove Podcast presenter of the year – Laconco Entertainment TV producer of the year – Relebogile Mabotja Entertainment radio producer of the year – Noni Khumalo NOW READ: Samthing Soweto on finally being able to open up to his fans on his new album
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Rebecca Malope to receive lifetime honour at Basadi in Music Awards
The awards recognise women across a range of categories in music, media, and entertainment. Legendary gospel artist Dr Rebecca Malope will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards. The 4th annual ceremony is set to take place on Saturday, 2 August, at the Joburg Theatre. 'We are proud to announce our Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Dr Rebecca Malope… Her soul-stirring voice and unwavering dedication have shaped the heartbeat of our nation's music for decades,' the organisation announced. Malope, often referred to as the Queen of Gospel, has had a career spanning more than three decades and remains one of South Africa's most celebrated artists. In addition to Malope's honour, the awards will recognise women across a range of categories in music, media, and entertainment. ALSO READ: Wilson B Nkosi to receive Lifetime Achievement honour Full list of Basadi in Music Awards 2025 nominees The awards will be held over two days, starting on Friday, 1 August 2025, with the Vanguard Awards, which honour women working behind the scenes in entertainment. The main Basadi in Music Awards ceremony will take place the following day, Saturday, 2 August, at the Joburg Theatre, recognising musical excellence across a wide range of genres and categories. The Vanguard Awards – Day 1 Artist Manager of the Year: Hloni Hlo Mohlala Phindile Matroshe Tholsi Pillay Maphuthi Perez Miss T Thwala Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year: Relebogile Mabotja – 702 Unplugged Sessions Lootlove – The Touchdown on Metro FM Hlekani Shikwambana – Capricorn Experience, Capricorn FM Lebo Maoela – Lesedi FM Kgomotso Meso – Kaya 959 Mannehileng Letuka – Lesedi FM Entertainment Journalist of the Year: Keitumetse Maako – News24 Joy Mphande – TshisaLIVE Nokuthula Zwane – Media24 Mbali Mbatha – City Press Mapule Pule – Maftown Online Choreographer of the Year: Delta the Leo Bontle Modiselle-Moloi Tlhogi Molefi Entertainment TV Presenter of the Year: Lerai Newsish – MTV Base Zanele Potela – Hotspot Seli Mpumi Mlambo – Ushuni Womhlaba, SABC 1 Best Styled Artist of the Year: Faith K Moozlie Kamo Mphela Anele Zondo (Ney the Bae) Entertainment TV Producer of the Year: Relebogile Mabotja – Tyla's Showmax Homecoming Concert Dineo Lusenga – The Orbit (YouTube) Entertainment Radio Producer of the Year: Tlou Tlonae – Capricorn Breakfast, Capricorn FM Phindile Mthombeni – The AM Prime Show, Emalahleni FM Noni Khumalo – The Lunch League Y Dineo Lusenga – The Midday Link Up, Metro FM Make-Up Artist of the Year: Bongi Mlotswa Nomsa Madida Nono Linchwe Stephy Kwanaite Hairstylist of the Year: Hair by Nana R Ntombomzi Lekgoro Mbalezwehair Jullz_Hairstylist Tumelo Mj Afrobotique Podcast Presenter of the Year: Pharoahfi – Popcorn and Cheese Relebogile Mabotja – The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast Laconco – Timeline with Laconco Si Jones – Si Sessions Africa The Music Awards – Day 2 Afropop Artist of the Year: Zethe – Abantu Nomakhosini – Angsafuni Ngami Motlanalo – Goya Goyile Naledi Aphiwe – Romeo and Juliet Lwah Ndlunkulu – Mnakwethu Amapiano Artist of the Year: Kamo Mphela – Woza Pabi Cooper – Pabi Jo Zee Nxumalo – Ngisakuthanda Bassie Kwelanga – 2.0 Babalwa M – Bothata Sofnfree Artist of the Year: Zee Nxumalo – Ngisakuthanda Xolly Mncwango – Liyabasebenzela Kamo Mphela – Woza Nontokozo Mkhize – Esandleni Makhadzi – Number 1 Collaboration of the Year: Cici & Liema – Pantsi Impumelelo Babalwa M & Yallunder – Mthuthuzeli Mpho Sebina & Lioness Ratang – Lioness Nosipho, Cici & Liema – Home Boohle, DEE Koala & K Mat – Iskhath' Sam Manje Dance Artist of the Year: Manana Highness – Mdali Makhadzi – Number 1 Shandesh – Sdudla/Slender Kharishma – Chokesmal Azana – Abogogo DJ of the Year: Lerato Kganyago DJ Tshepi Lamiez Holworthy DJ Zinhle Kele Megano Gospel Artist of the Year: Mapula Monyepao – Hale Phirimile Nontokozo Mkhize – Esandleni Sneizy Uyinqaba – Yethu Xolly Mncwango – Liyabasebenzela Sindi Ntombela – Ulithemba Lethu Hip Hop Artist of the Year: Ms Kulie – Dyi Baddie Nadia Nakai – No Problems Gigi Lamayne – Bleed Mama StaticFlo – Seven7 Faith – K Qosh Jazz Artist of the Year: Salphina Kadiaka – Champaign Rorisang Sechele – Tsoga Tshenolo – Freedom Song Gabi Motuba – Order My Steps Reggae Artist of the Year: Dimahr – Dry Tears Undefynd – Danceholic Lani M – Carried Away Sankie Fayauman – Motherland MadaGlory – Graceful Dub Traditional Artist of the Year: Phumla Music – Makhonjwa MmaAusi – 2 Pula Esther Mphahlele – Basadi Miss Hillary – Hangwani Song of the Year: Zee Nxumalo – Ngisakuthanda Bassie Kwelanga – 2.0 Nontokozo Mkhize – Esandleni Aya Msani – Dubai 2.0 Lwa Ndlunkulu – Mnakwethu Songwriter of the Year: Bongiwe Mngomezulu – Uyangihola Liema Pantsi – Let Me Be Cnethemba Gonelo – Lindishonele Motlanalo – Goya Goyile Zoe Modiga – Uyakhazimula Newcomer of the Year: Nonny Muji – Nguye Ayarhkay – Hamba Lani M – What You Made Of Mega Snowflake – Aketeng Pop Artist of the Year: Chante – Stay the Night Tasha Baxter – Bipolar Bear Jamie Lee Sexton – Missing Anica Kiana – Kiss Me Hard Music Video of the Year: Liema Pantsi – Let Me Be Zee Nxumalo – Ngisakuthanda Naledi Aphiwe – Ngiyabonga Kharishma – Chokeslem Pabi Cooper – Pabi Jo NOW READ: Like father, Like son: Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh earns law degree
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pet King Brands' ZYMOX® Designated as a 2025 Vanguard Awards Winner in Eye and Ear Care
Pet Insight Magazine recognizes ZYMOX as a category trailblazer. AUSTIN, Texas, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pet King Brands, a pioneering leader in veterinarian-recommended enzymatic pet health products, including ZYMOX Dermatology and Oratene® Brushless Oral Care, is honored to announce their recognition as a Pet Insight Magazine 2025 Vanguard Award recipient. The annual awards program certifies category giants through their leadership, innovation and partnership, "pushing forward trustworthy solutions in their categories, backing up their innovations with more research than ever," says Pet Insight. Pet King Brands leads the eye and ear care category with an emphasis on safe, effective and natural solutions in accessible and convenient formats. "We use only natural, enzyme-based formulas to provide therapeutic relief from common pet ailments," said Debra Decker, Director of Marketing of Pet King Brands, in an interview with Pet Insight. "Our LP3 Enzyme System sets us apart by targeting the root causes of infections, reducing the frequency of chronic issues and providing lasting relief all while offering preventative protection for long-term health. The enzymes in ZYMOX products are derived from natural dairy sources, ensuring that pets receive a chemical-free, gentle experience without harmful side effects." Learn more about this year's Pet Insight "Vanguard Awards" and see a complete list of winners here. About Pet King BrandsPet King Brands, proud sponsors of The Westminster Kennel Club's 149th Dog Show and makers of ZYMOX® Ear and Skin, Oratene® Brushless Oral Care, Equine Defense®, and ZYLAFEN™ products, is a leader in veterinarian-approved pet products made in the USA. Focused on the health and wellness of small and large animals of all ages, the products utilize the power of the LP3 Enzyme System and have been resolving ear, skin and oral conditions for over 25 years. Led by President and Founder Pamela Bosco, with the help of her bioscientist brother, Michael Pellico, Pet King Brands has revolutionized the way people care for animals' ears, skin and mouths, offering solutions that are gentle, easy to administer and free of harsh chemicals and antibiotics. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pet King Brands
