Standard Bank Young Artist Awards legacy shines bright, four decades on

The Standard Bank Young Artists (from left to right): Modise Sekgothe (Poetry), Nyakallo Maleke (Visual Arts), Siya Charles (Jazz), Asanda Ruda (Dance), Muneyi (Music), and Clavin Ratladi (seated). Picture: Supplied 

Each year, South Africa’s creative industry eagerly awaits the announcement of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA), arguably the country’s most prestigious recognition of artistic excellence. And once again, the 2025 cohort prove itself to be a group of remarkable talents, each one pushing boundaries and shaping the future of their disciplines.

The recipients of the 2025 SBYAs were unveiled at an exclusive media gathering at Untitled Basement in Braamfontein on Wednesday, April 9. The official announcement followed the next day at The Forum at The Campus in Bryanston, hosted by celebrated author, poet, and actress Lebogang Mashile.

“We are proud to support this new generation of visionaries.”

This year’s SBYA recipients are an inspiring group of six young creatives who continue to redefine their artistic fields: Calvin Ratladi (Theatre), Asanda Ruda (Dance), Siyasanga “Siya” Charles (Jazz), Modise Sekgothe (Poetry), Nyakallo Maleke (Visual Arts), and Muneyi (Music).  Their achievements come in a year that marks a significant milestone, 40 years of Standard Bank’s formidable support of the arts. Bonga Sebesho, Standard Bank's Group Head of Sponsorship, highlighted the importance of nurturing the new generation of creatives: “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.”

The resonance of this year's awards rippled through the artistic community, deeply felt by each winner.

Calvin Ratladi is the Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre. Picture: Supplied. 

Calvin Ratladi, a multifaceted talent and founder of the Calvin Ratladi Foundation, expressed the significance of this win, stating, “Being named the Standard Bank Young Award winner means I’m about to access certain spaces I couldn’t access. This win is definitely not for me. It’s about all those who look like me.” 

As curator of A Gathering in a Better World an inclusive festival for abled and disabled artists - Ratladi brings a deeply personal narrative to his work. Born with kyphoscoliosis, a rare spinal condition, his art is both a personal and political act.

“Being named an SBYA winner means I get to access spaces I couldn’t before, to speak in my full voice, uncompromised. This award isn’t just for me; it’s for everyone who looks like me and dreams of a place in the arts. I stand as proof that it’s possible,” he said.

“And there’s a wealth of untapped stories in this country, and this platform allows us to bring those to light.”

Nyakallo Maleke is the Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Art. Picture: Supplied.

Nyakallo Maleke, an interdisciplinary artist and writer known for her evocative drawings, was equally moved. This is still surreal…not what I was expecting,” she shared. 

Maleke’s journey through academia and artistic exploration led her to win after a decade of establishing her voice in the industry. 

“I’m currently pursuing my MA in Creative Writing at the University of the Western Cape, and I received the news during a period when I had intentionally taken a step back from my practice,” she said.

“When I found out, I cried. It’s been 10 years in this industry, and to finally receive this kind of affirmation tells me that someone is watching, someone is truly seeing the work, the intention, the heart behind it all. And more than that, it feels like the message I’ve been quietly weaving through my work is finally being heard.”

She continued: “It still feels like a dream. I remember during my undergraduate years at Wits, our class was taken to the Standard Bank Gallery. It was the first time I stood before the works of artists whose names I had only read about—some of whom I would later meet. I never imagined that one day, I would be the artist on that stage. And now, here I am. To be part of that lineage is an immense honour.”

Modise Sekgothe is the Standard Bank Young Artist for Poetry. Picture: Supplied

Modise Sekgothe, a poet exploring the intersections of poetry with music and theatre, articulated the challenge of being a poet in South Africa. 

“I’ve been a poet for about 10 years, and in many ways, I’ve given my entire life to this path—as both a writer and a performer, working in an art form that often exists on the margins. Poetry is not always at the forefront, it’s often considered obscure, quiet, even invisible. That’s why it’s no surprise there are only two poets on that list,” said Sekgothe.

“Along the way, there have been many moments of doubt, times I questioned whether any of it mattered, whether the work, the sacrifices, the sleepless nights meant anything to anyone beyond myself. That’s why this moment, and the scale of this recognition, is deeply affirming. It tells me that what I’ve felt called to do, what I believe is my life’s purpose, is not only seen, but valued. It has significance. It has space to grow, here in South Africa and beyond.”

His practice is deeply philosophical, often probing the intersections of masculinity, spirituality, and existential meaning. Reflecting on the earlier years of his career, Sekgothe expressed relief that the doors to recognition for poetry were now opening, fostering growth within a traditionally overlooked art form.

“And for the poetry community I belong to, this honour is bigger than me. It signals that people are beginning to listen—that the voices we’ve been nurturing, the energy we’ve poured into this art form, have not gone unnoticed. That we are not speaking into the void. That we’re not, as we sometimes fear, completely mad.”

Muneyi is the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music. Picture: Supplied

Muneyi Masibigiri is a multifaceted artist, songwriter, composer, and guitarist whose music is an expression of Tshivenda folktales infused with modern sounds. As an artist, Muneyi is inspired by his Makhulu (grandmother), his community upbringing, a love for language, vulnerability, human behavior, and personal experiences. He expressed disbelief upon hearing he had won, highlighting the importance of the award in providing visibility. “It’s a profound honour, especially because making the kind of music I make,” he stated, acknowledging the struggle many artists face within the context of the music industry.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it. I kept asking myself, ‘Me? Are you sure?’ But the validation means everything. It often feels like a fight making the kind of music I make,” he explained.

“So when a respected institution with real integrity in the arts says, ‘We see you,’ it means everything. It’s more than validation, it’s empowerment. It says there’s room for this voice, this sound, this story. And with that recognition, it suddenly feels like even more is possible.

“For another young artist, somewhere deep in Venda, who might think they can’t break through, this moment might shift that thinking. They might say, ‘Wait, I know that voice. They sound like me. They look like me.

“Outside of musicians like Makhadzi, we rarely see mainstream musicians from my world represented in spaces like jazz or folk. So to be here, seen and celebrated, it’s not just a win for me, it’s a statement that our stories matter too.”

Since its inception in 1981 by the National Arts Festival, the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards have recognised over four decades of excellence across theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and literature.

“The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards continue to ignite the future of South African arts by celebrating visionary talent and inspiring new creative possibilities,” said Monica Newton, CEO of the National Arts Festival.

“We've been proud to stand alongside our partner Standard Bank for 40 years; identifying and showcasing the artists who are shaping South Africa's cultural landscape. To the winners, congratulations, we are honoured to support your journey to Makhanda and beyond.”

The Standard Bank Young Artists (from left to right): Nyakallo Maleke (Visual Arts), Muneyi (Music), and Clavin Ratladi, and Modise Sekgothe (Poetry).

Each award comes with financial support, mentorship, and a platform to showcase work at the National Arts Festival, propelling artists onto both national and global stages.

Among past SBYAs are some of the country’s most celebrated cultural icons: Sibongile Khumalo, Jerry Mofokeng, Mbongeni Ngema, William Kentridge, Andrew Buckland, Vincent Mantsoe, Lara Foot, Dada Masilo, Gloria Bosman, Gregory Maqoma, and Nduduzo Makhathini, artists whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the arts.