As we step into 2026, the world of art is evolving. Boundaries between different artistic disciplines are becoming more fluid, and the gap between experimental practices and mainstream culture is narrowing. Artists are embracing new opportunities to navigate between historical archives, live performances, and global digital platforms.
The 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners. Image supplied
Against this backdrop, the National Arts Festival (NAF), the steward of the esteemed Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA), has announced the distinguished artists selected for the 2026 cohort. This year’s award acknowledges a group of innovative South African artists whose work embodies the dynamic landscape of contemporary art.
The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards are a hallmark of creative merit in South Africa, highlighting artists whose practices are recognized by their peers and who skillfully traverse various forms and audiences. This recognition empowers artists, elevating their artistic journeys and supporting their future careers.
Introducing the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winners
The 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipients are:
- Bronwyn Katz – Visual Arts
- Gabi Motuba – Jazz
- Jason Jacobs – Theatre
- Lee-ché Janecke – Dance
- Ndumiso Manana – Music
These talented artists mirror a cultural environment where art transcends distinct categories while remaining anchored in history, locality, and community engagement.
Visual Arts: Bronwyn Katz
In the realm of Visual Arts, Bronwyn Katz explores sculpture and installation, creating a speculative language anchored in themes of land, memory, and embodied knowledge. Her work challenges traditional archival practices, using material, gesture, and sound to craft alternative methods for preserving communal memories.
The 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Visual Art – Browyn Katz. Image supplied
Jazz: Gabi Motuba
Gabi Motuba, the awardee in the Jazz category, has established a multifaceted career as a vocalist, composer, and educator. Her works deftly blend avant-garde experimentation with deep philosophical inquiry, positioning sound as a medium that interconnects with literature, history, and socio-political discourse.
Gabi Motuba is the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz. Image supplied
Theatre: Jason Jacobs
The Theatre award goes to Jason Jacobs, a storyteller grounded in his Nama-Khoi indigenous heritage. His artistic endeavors weave together theatre and film to confront themes of identity, history, and community while revitalizing First Nations narratives within South Africa’s cultural framework.
Jason Jacobs is the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Theatre. Image supplied
Dance: Lee-ché Janecke
The award for Dance celebrates Lee-ché Janecke, also known as Litchi HOV. Originating from popular choreography and global performance culture, his work has gained international acclaim through collaborations within the music industry and large-scale events. His choreography encapsulates the traveling nature of dance across diverse platforms in our digital age.
Lee-ché Janecke is the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance. Image supplied
Music: Ndumiso Manana
Completing the cohort is Ndumiso Manana, awarded in the Music category. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, his artistry spans genres such as R&B, electronic, Afrobeats, and acoustic traditions, merging reflective lyricism with innovative soundscapes that resonate with both local and international audiences.
Nondumiso Mañana is the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music. Image supplied
Each artist will unveil new works at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, set to take place between 25 June and 5 July 2026, continuing the tradition of the award as a conduit for artistic growth and public presentation.
Bonga Sebesho, group head of sponsorship at Standard Bank, remarked on the importance of this year’s recipients, stating: “Through the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards, we endorse artists who are actively shaping the contemporary cultural landscape. This year’s winners showcase the diversity and depth of creative practices from artists interweaving memory and language with transformations in popular culture.”
Monica Newton, CEO of NAF, echoes this sentiment: “Congratulations to the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artists! Their achievements take center stage, and this award facilitates larger platforms and broader audiences, accelerating their careers in the arts.”
Over the past four decades, the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards have recognized over 180 creatives who continue to redefine their respective fields. The 2026 cohort exemplifies that South African art remains a vibrant arena for innovation and cultural dialogue.
For more information about the upcoming National Arts Festival and its programming, visit the National Arts Festival website. Stay tuned for the complete festival program to be unveiled in May 2026.
