Who Said Tuxedos Are Just for Men? Enhle Mbali Rewrites the Rules at the Basadi Music Awards
- BY SASHA-LEIGH HODGEN
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 13

All imgaes: @enhlembali_
At this year’s Basadi Music Awards, the event played host to shimmering gowns, bold statement dresses, and glamorous high-drama looks, but it was Enhle Mbali who turned heads by going in the opposite direction. Instead of a floor-sweeping gown, she chose a piece of fashion history that has been traditionally reserved for men: the tuxedo. Only, she wore it on her own terms.
Dressed by Essie Couture by Essie Apparel, Enhle reimagined the tuxedo with a refined yet daring twist. The sharply tailored black blazer, with its satin lapels and precise structure, instantly conveyed power and sophistication. But the magic lay in the styling. Instead of the classic button-down shirt, she wore a cropped white tuxedo shirt, giving just a glimpse of midriff — a subtle nod to modern femininity that broke the rules without disrespecting the tradition.
The look was completed with a black satin cummerbund that tied in a bow at the back and high-waisted tailored trousers that elongated her frame, while strappy black heels added an understated elegance peeking out from beneath the hemline. Her oversized gold disc earrings replaced the conventional accessories one might expect with a tuxedo, no cufflinks here, creating a striking contrast between masculine tailoring and bold feminine adornment.
Her beauty choices echoed the look’s balance. With sleek, pulled-back hair and fresh, glowing makeup, she allowed the ensemble to take centre stage while still radiating understated glamour. The black velvet bow tie sat perfectly at the collar, a playful wink to tradition even as the rest of the look bent the rules.
Adding to the moment’s charm, Enhle arrived alongside her two sons, both dressed in their own tuxedos, a coordinated fashion moment that was effortlessly chic rather than overly matchy. It was a family statement of style, unity, and confidence, showcasing that a strong look is not defined by gender, but by presence.

Enhle’s choice to wear a tuxedo at an event dominated by gowns is more than just a fashion decision, it’s a power move. It speaks to the growing space women are claiming in fashion to play with silhouettes, textures, and symbols once seen as exclusively masculine. It’s a nod to style icons like Marlene Dietrich and Janelle Monáe, women who have made the tuxedo their own, but with Enhle’s uniquely South African edge.
In this moment, she didn’t just wear a tuxedo, she owned it. She proved that when tailored to perfection and worn with confidence, the tuxedo isn’t just a men’s staple; it’s a timeless canvas for power, elegance, and individuality. And at the 2025 Basadi Music Awards, Enhle Mbali made sure everyone knew: the suit doesn’t care about gender, it only cares about who can wear it best.