Glamour South Africa hosted its prestigious Women of the Year Awards (#WOTY2024) on Saturday at the elegant Summer Place in Hyde Park, Johannesburg. Under the theme “Game Changers Edition,” the event celebrated extraordinary women and organizations transforming industries and driving meaningful progress across South Africa and beyond.
This year’s awards highlighted the outstanding contributions of Warner Music Africa and Africori, whose artists and leadership received three distinguished accolades. The evening brought together influential business leaders, creative talents, and cultural icons to honor excellence and innovation.
Makhadzi, one of Africa’s most dynamic performers, received the Entertainer Game Changer Award. Her remarkable accomplishments this year include multiple wins at the Metro FM Music Awards, where she took home Best Female Artist and ;Best Traditional Album for African Queen 2.0. She further solidified her global presence with the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act award at the BET Awards and was crowned Favorite African Star at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
This December, Makhadzi will achieve another milestone by headlining her one-woman show at Peter Mokaba Stadium, a testament to her unparalleled artistry and cultural impact. In her acceptance speech, Makhadzi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the women who have shaped her journey, stating, “If it wasn’t for the women in my life, I don’t know how else I would have gotten here.”
The award was presented by her label manager, Yoan Chaplain, who commended Makhadzi’s relentless hard work and resilience throughout her career, culminating in the release of 11 albums. He praised her as a powerhouse who continues to inspire audiences across the globe.
Kamo Mphela, an Africori-distributed artist, was honored with the Musician Game Changer Award. Renowned for her innovative blend of amapiano, dance, and pop music, Kamo has reshaped the sound of South African music and captivated fans worldwide. Glamour described her as a “powerhouse” whose bold authenticity and creative vision push boundaries and set new standards in the industry. Beyond her music, Kamo’s influence extends to culture and style, solidifying her as a true icon.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Temi Adeniji, Managing Director of Warner Music Africa, who was presented with the Cultural Game Changer Award. As the first Black female Managing Director of a major label in Africa, Temi has revolutionized African music’s global standing. Her leadership has been instrumental in acquiring Africori, launching the Warner Music Africa Insider Roundtable Series, and cultivating a diverse artist roster featuring CKay, Joeboy, Diamond Platnumz, and Mawhoo.
In addition to her industry achievements, Temi’s work as Vice President of the Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund Board has allocated over R8 million in micro-grants to support arts, education, and culture initiatives across Africa. Her efforts underscore a commitment to empowering underserved communities and fostering talent across the continent.
The Women of the Year Awards continues to honor trailblazers redefining success and inspiring a new generation of leaders to challenge boundaries and achieve greatness.
Follow Warner Music Africa here
Instagram | Tik Tok | Youtube | Facebook | X
