MUNEYI
Profile: 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music
By Zoliswa Mdawini and Dideka Njemla
Muneyi, a 30-year-old folk music artist from Tshilapfene village in Thohoyandou, credits his grandmother with shaping the music that has won him this prestigious award.
Muneyi calls his music ‘folk’ because it’s rooted in African stories, like the ones his grandmother told him around a fire while cooking corn or peanuts. “Folk music is African folklore, our stories about legends or supernatural creatures,” he explained.
For him, it’s not just about the sound but about keeping African knowledge alive. “I make folk music, but I also do other styles. At my core, I’m about storytelling and creating a vibe of healing and softness,” he said. His songs contain personal stories about grief, love, and self-discovery. They feel like a heart-to-heart talk.
“It is a great honor to be recognised for the work that I am doing,” he said with a smile.
Growing up in Tshilapfene, Muneyi spent much time with his grandmother. “Being naughty in the village was difficult,” he laughed, remembering her strict but loving ways.
When he moved to Pretoria with his mom, he noticed how city life could make you forget those village lessons. That’s why he writes music — to share his feelings and keep his Tshivenda culture alive. “I write to figure things out in my heart. Watching people inspires me and makes me question things,” he said.
His 2023 song Ndi a Ni Funa, with Koko Zwane, is a fan favorite because of its honesty and soothing melodies.
But Muneyi doesn’t stick to one sound. He’s worked with notable artists like Msaki, Una Rams, and Koko Zwane, and he’s got a new Tshivenda album in the works. For him, success is not about money or fame. “I’m proud I chose myself over money,” he admitted. “The achievements like the Standard Bank Young Artist Award came because I chose myself.”
The award winner loves simple things. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling Africa, and having a good meal. “I just want to have fun doing this,” he added.
As he prepares for the 2025 National Arts Festival this month, Muneyi wants to show the world who he is. “I want to say, ‘Hey, art world, this is me’.”
His theatre background taught him to be real on stage. Quoting his former theatre director, he said, “You can’t bullshit the audience — you can’t make them feel things you’re not feeling.”
Muneyi has serious advice for young artists. “Protect yourself, even if it means sacrificing a big opportunity, and know who your people are.”
With his Festival performances, he hopes his stories and music will connect people.
Muneyi: The Beginning is at the Guy Butler Theatre on 3 July. Book online (https://tickets.nationalartsfestival.co.za/en/events/897/muneyi-the-beginning) or in person at the Monument.
This is the fifth of our profiles of this year’s Standard Bank Young Artist Award-winners. We are introducing the six of them to you as part of our build-up to the 51st National Arts Festival.
