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Nyakallo Maleke – Visual Arts -
Asanda Ruda – Dance -
Calvin Ratladi – Theatre -
Siyasanga 'Siya' Charles – Jazz -
Muneyi – Music -
Modise Sekgothe – Poetry
As the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards reach its milestone anniversary of 40 years, a new generation of trailblazers take their place in this storied legacy.
WORDS Gina Dionisio
Established by the National Arts Festival in 1981, the annual Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA) are given to young South African artists who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen field, and whose artistic excellence has put them on the threshold of national acclaim or enabled them to make international breakthroughs. Over the past four decades, they have become one of the most prestigious honours in the South African arts scene.
“We are proud to support this new generation of visionaries as they continue to shape the future of our cultural landscape and ensure that our creative heritage thrives for decades to come,” says Bonga Sebesho, Standard Bank’s Group Head of Sponsorship.
More than 180 directors, actors, dancers, playwrights, musicians, poets, and visual artists have received this honour since its inception – a constellation of talent that includes William Kentridge, Andrew Buckland, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Mbongeni Ngema, and Nduduzo Makhathini.
Meet the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winners
Through the SBYA, Standard Bank and the National Arts Festival have celebrated the pulse and potential of South African art, honouring creators who challenge convention and expand the contours of creativity. Already lauded both at home and abroad, this year’s recipients are bold, boundary-breaking voices, shaping South Africa’s creative narrative on a global scale.
Nyakallo Maleke – Visual Arts
Nyakallo Maleke’s drawings take viewers on a transcendent journey – a journey of migration, vulnerability, and spatial memory. With exhibitions across Europe and a Master’s from Switzerland’s édhéa, her work expands the conversation around drawing as both medium and metaphor.
Asanda Ruda – Dance
Previously a member of the Pina Bausch Foundation touring Europe, the dancer and choreographer has captivated audiences with Kemet (Black Lands), her acclaimed solo work which came out of her residency programme at Hellarau, a Pan-African cultural event that takes place every two years. She is currently participating in the Centre national de la danse x Cité internationale des arts residency, in Paris.
Calvin Ratladi – Theatre
A SAFTA-winning artist, Calvin Ratladi has garnered Ovation Awards at the National Arts Festival and showcased his work at festivals in Germany and Luxembourg, pushing South African theatre into new, immersive dimensions.
Siyasanga ‘Siya’ Charles – Jazz
Through her Siya Charles Sextet, Siyasanga is redefining South African jazz, layering the country’s rich musical traditions with a fresh, fearless sensibility. A magna cum laude Juilliard-graduate trombonist, her career is already a global story, shaped by collaborations with luminaries like Hugh Masekela and Grammy-winning artists.
Muneyi – Music
Limpopo-born Muneyi’s music is filled with memory, myth, and meaning. His lyrics, inspired by his grandmother, explore themes of love, loss, and identity. They transcend language while remaining deeply rooted in the rhythms of Tshivenda storytelling.
Modise Sekgothe – Poetry
From Washington DC to Gothenburg and Brussels, Modise’s words have reverberated on global stages, bending the boundaries of spoken word into new realms of performance art.
Winning an SBYA award is a launchpad for bold artistic exploration and a gateway to opportunities that transcend borders. In addition to the encouragement and financial support the artists receive as they pursue their careers, they’re also guaranteed a place on the main programme at the next National Arts Festival. | nationalartsfestival.co.za
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