“Give people their flowers while they can still smell them”, a saying that has us falling over our feet every time #RIP[insert relevant name] is trending.

In the spirit of praising our own, here is a list of our top 4 South African artists that have been recognised over the past few weeks.

1. Hugh Masekela

Although late, the great Bra Hugh has blessed our ears for many, many years and in April 2023, he became the first African musician to be inducted into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame at the iconic Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC.

Masekela was a world-renowned jazz artist, who famously added political commentary in a blend of South African vernacular languages. His son and daughter, accompanied by South African Tourism, accepted the award on his behalf. 

Image credit: @Selema Masekela (Instagram)

2. Noria Mabasa

84-year-old Venda sculptor, Noria Mabasa was granted an honorary doctorate from UJ in April 2023. Mabasa has been a sculptor for more than 50 years and she is the first Venda woman to work with wood as her chosen medium.

Culturally, wood is a material reserved for men, but inspiration hit after a series of dreams in which her ancestors guided her on the matter and she started carving objects depicting Venda mythology and spirituality. She also explores themes around race and gender, particularly the hardships of women during the Apartheid era. Mabasa is the Silver recipient of the 2002 Order of the Baobab Award. 

It’s official!! 🥳🥳 Dr Noria Mabasa receives her honorary doctorate at the age of 84!

Thank you for your hard work and dedication in your craft and for sculpting the way in the art and design space. #UJGrad2023 pic.twitter.com/FJnYDVNB27

— University of Johannesburg (@go2uj) April 19, 2023

Video credit: University of Johannesburg (Twitter)

3. Zakes Bantwini, Wouter Kellerman, and Nomcebo Zikode

South African artists Zakes Bantwini, Wouter Kellerman, and Nomcebo Zikode have won the Best Global Music Performance award at the 65th annual Grammy Awards in Las Vegas in February 2023 for their hit song, “Bayethe”.

This isn’t Wouter Kellerman’s first rodeo, however. It is his fourth Grammy nomination and his second Grammy win.

Image credit: Wouter Kellerman (Twitter)

4. Lee-Ann Olwage

Documentary and portrait photographer, Lee-Ann Olwage has broken barriers in her quest to represent Africa in all its glory and power.

“All my work addresses very difficult social issues, but I never want to show anybody being a victim,” asserts Olwage.

“I wanna focus on people, individuals or organizations that provide solutions, showing change and I want to tell stories that are affirming.”

Her latest work called “The Right to Play” tackling girls’ education, FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and child marriage in rural Kenya, has made her the winner of the Sony World Photography Award 2023.

Image credit: Lee-Ann Olwage (Instagram)

This is a work that we hope to continue growing, as artists continue to shoot for the stars. 

ALSO SEE:

Former Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, heads to Vietnam for Harper’s Bazaar Star Awards

Feature Image: Pexels