NOTHANDO HLOPHE WINS SONG OF THE YEAR AT BASADI IN MUSIC AWARDS FOR “METHODIST MEDLEY”
NOTHANDO HLOPHE WINS SONG OF THE YEAR AT BASADI IN MUSIC AWARDS FOR “METHODIST MEDLEY.” Eswatini gospel powerhouse Inkhosikati Nothando Hlophe has added another major accolade to her growing list of achievements after taking home Song of the Year at the fifth annual Basadi In Music Awards.
Nothando Hlophe was crowned the winner during the awards ceremony held at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein on 7 and 8 August 2026, with the official Basadi In Music Awards account confirming her victory.
Her winning song, “Methodist Medley,” also known as “Methodist Medley-Emphini Zothini,” emerged victorious in a highly competitive public-voted category that featured some of the biggest names in African music, including Tyla, Ayra Starr, Kamo Mphela, MaWhoo and Kharishma.
The recognition further highlights the reach of Hlophe’s gospel ministry, with “Methodist Medley” connecting with audiences through its spiritual message, vocal delivery and distinctive arrangement.
The Eswatini royal, who is married to Prince Majaha and known as Inkhosikati LaHlophe, has enjoyed a remarkable period of success in recent years. Her 2025 live album, A New Dawn, alongside songs such as “Sithumela Wena,” has earned her recognition both at home and beyond Eswatini.
Her growing list of honours includes Song of the Year and Best Gospel Artist at the National Gospel Music Awards, as well as Best of Africa at the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards. “Methodist Medley” had already made history at home after being named Eswatini’s 2025 Song of the Year by EBIS1.
Following her latest victory, Hlophe expressed her gratitude to her husband, Eswatini Mobile, her management team and the supporters who have continued to stand behind her music ministry.
The win also carries significance beyond the award itself, placing an Eswatini gospel artist at the centre of one of South Africa’s most prominent celebrations of women in music.
Held under the theme “Rewind,” the fifth annual Basadi In Music Awards brought together some of the continent’s leading female artists and industry figures for a two-night celebration at the Joburg Theatre. Among the other notable winners were MaWhoo, who took home Amapiano Artist of the Year and Highest Airplay, and Thabsie, who was recognised as Best Styled Artist.
For Hlophe, the Song of the Year victory adds another milestone to a career built around faith, worship and music that continues to reach audiences well beyond the church.
“Methodist Medley” has now moved from being a celebrated gospel song in Eswatini to a regional award-winning anthem, giving Hlophe another powerful platform to share her message of worship with an even wider audience.
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