Shaka Madida, the nine‑year‑old son of South African radio host Nandi Madida and Grammy‑winning producer Zakes Bantwini, has already made a splash in the art world. Nandi announced the milestone on Instagram, sharing a video of Shaka’s work and a proud message celebrating his first solo exhibition at Magugu House.
In her post, Nandi wrote that Shaka “celebrated his 9th birthday with his very first solo exhibition, a goal he has quietly and passionately carried for a long time.” She added that he also sold his first piece that night – a brave start for a child who is only nine. Nandi thanked designer Thebe Magugu for providing a supportive space for Shaka’s creativity.
The young artist isn’t a stranger to the public eye. In 2022 he won his first karting race and can also play the piano, following in his father’s footsteps. Nandi often shares snippets of Shaka’s artistic process; two years ago she posted a video of him drawing a cartoon character, captioning it: “Oh, the places you will go, my dear son. My sweet boy loves drawing, and at 7 years old, animations are his favourite style, although he loves drawing other styles freehand. Visual memory is a true gift.”
Beyond his art, Shaka’s mother is a busy media figure. Nandi hosts the “Motherhood Network” podcast and was recently honoured as one of Apple’s Best of 2025, just six months after the platform’s launch. She credits Shaka and her seven‑year‑old daughter, Queen Nefertiti, for inspiring her motherhood journey.
The celebration of Shaka’s achievement highlights a growing trend of young talent being recognised and encouraged in the creative industries, and it looks like this nine‑year‑old is only just beginning.