UCT Alumnus Ndumiso Manana named 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music

The University of Cape Town and the South African College of Music proudly celebrates alumnus Ndumiso Manana, who has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music—one of South Africa’s most respected honours recognising exceptional young creative talent.

Manana, a multi-faceted singer-songwriter and producer from eSwatini, has rapidly established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary music. His artistic journey began with his 2020 debut album, In The Beginning Was The End. He has since released But Could The Moments In Between and the EP COMMA, showcasing a rich and evolving sound that blends electronic dance music, soulful R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano fusion, and poignant acoustic ballads. His 2024 project, Our Broken Hearts Mend, completes his trilogy of musical and poetic exploration.

A graduate of UCT, Manana holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance as well as a Postgraduate Diploma—both awarded with distinction. His strong musical foundation was further shaped by his time with the Drakensberg Boys Choir, and his work today reflects a refined ability to merge technical skill with emotional depth, balancing sound and silence with innovation and intimacy.

Manana’s influence extends well beyond the South African music scene. As a songwriter, he contributed to Burna Boy’s Grammy Award-winning album Twice As Tall, underscoring his growing global impact. His collaborative work includes partnerships with artists such as Usher, Pheelz, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Tyla, Amanda Black, Ami Faku, Shekinah and Cynthia Erivo.

The industry has taken note. His debut EP earned a nomination for Best Produced Album at the 2020 South African Music Awards (SAMAs). In 2023, he won the SAMA for Best R&B/Soul Album for But Could The Moments In Between, and in 2024, he was selected for Spotify Radar, further cementing his place as one of the most exciting voices of his generation.

“I think this award allows you to build a strong foundation and inspire a new generation of creators and creatives along the way,” Manana says.

The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards honour outstanding South African artists under the age of 35, recognising individuals whose work demonstrates both artistic excellence and significant potential for growth. Widely regarded as a major career milestone, the awards are designed to act as catalysts for recipients by providing a personal cash prize, a funded opportunity to create and present new work at the 2026 National Arts Festival, as well as enhanced marketing, national visibility and recognition throughout the award year. Winners are selected annually by the National Arts Festival Artistic Committee, following a nomination process open to members of the arts community.

UCT congratulates Ndumiso Manana on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to following his continued impact on the global music landscape.