SA: 2025 Standard Bank Young Artists revealed

The awards are presented by the National Arts Festival artistic committee to emerging, relatively young South African artists who have demonstrated exceptional ability in the fields of jazz, dance, visual art, music, theatre and performance art.

“This year’s Standard Bank Young Artists embody experimentation, explosive creative dynamism and a sense of purpose that has driven them to rise above challenges and succeed and they’ve been noticed,” a statement reads. “Together with Standard Bank, we are proud to announce the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artists.”

The recipients of the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist title are:

• Asanda Ruda (dance).
• Siyasanga ‘Siya’ Charles (jazz).
• Muneyi (music).
• Modise Sekgothe (poetry).
• Calvin Ratladi (theatre).
• Nyakallo Maleke (visual arts).

For over thirty years, the Standard Bank Young Artist Award has stood as one of South Africa’s most prestigious and influential platforms for nurturing homegrown talent. Its illustrious alumni include artists who, following their recognition, have gone on to become celebrated cultural figures both nationally and internationally.

At the heart of the award is a commitment to empowering artists to build sustainable careers in the creative sector. Each recipient is guaranteed a prominent place on the National Arts Festival’s main programme — a pivotal opportunity to present new work to a national audience. In addition to a cash prize, the award includes significant financial support to realise their festival presentation, whether in the form of an exhibition or a full-scale production.