Hitting the right notes at the 2025 National Arts Festival

Standard Bank Young Artist award recipients in the jazz and music categories are set to give attendees an immersive South African experience

- By S'bo Gyre

The richness of South African music cannot be understated. From the catchy sounds of amapiano to the hypnotic characteristics and use of the guitar in isicathamiya, the sonics in Mzansi have a special evocative quality to them.

This can also be said of South African jazz and other folk music. This year's Standard Bank Young Artist award recipients in the categories jazz and music respectively pay great homage to this depth.

"What I've come to learn and appreciate about South African jazz is the joy it brings to people who listen to it," says Siyasanga (Siya) Charles, the jazz award recipient.

The tenor and bass trombonist, composer and arranger, who is currently based in New York, speaks highly of how South Africa's expression of the American imported genre translates beyond our shores.

"We have so much joy in our music. It's very uplifting and carries a powerful message. Our music has depth. It's not just about sounding good. It really has a message to uplift and make people aware of the times we are living in."

The FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar laureate comes from a family of self-taught musicians, and Charles also taught herself to play the piano.

Her late mother was a fervent supporter of her musical career, encouraging her to study a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz trombone performance at the University of Cape Town.

"Having a supportive family and a community that pushes you to be the best version of yourself is invaluable. It has really helped me to be confident in what I do and realise the importance of community."

When it comes to valuing one's community, the same can be said for the Standard Bank Young Artist award recipient in the music category, Muneyi Masibigiri, known professionally by the mononym Muneyi. He was inspired by his grandmother.