THE MET GALA FOR MATRICS
| OUR STORY |
Imagine a night where the most exceptional youth from across Africa gather in a space like no other, where ambition, culture, and excellence collide. A night where stories are honoured, dreams are seen, and the future steps onto a red carpet.
This is The Met Gala for Matrics, previously known as The Matric Ball.
Born from the belief that our youth deserve more than an ordinary farewell, this celebration was created to honour the resilience, discipline, and growth it takes to complete 12 years of schooling. For many, this journey is not easy, and every achievement deserves to be recognised with intention and pride.
The vision began in early 2023, when Santiago Andrew, a young South African, reimagined what a matric celebration could be. Seeing a gap in how learners were traditionally celebrated, he set out to create a platform that truly uplifts youth, not just socially, but symbolically. What followed was nearly two years of determination, planning, and perseverance to turn a bold idea into reality.
On 21 September 2024, the inaugural event took place at The Leonardo hotel in Sandton, the tallest building in Sub-Saharan Africa. The night marked a turning point, redefining matric celebrations through luxury, meaning, and African excellence.
In 2025, The Met Gala for Matrics returned on 4 December 2025 at the Sandton Hotel, cementing its cultural impact. With appearances by Christall Kay, Doqtor Cabbage, Girlie Lukhule, and internationally acclaimed dancer Musa Motha, the night celebrated resilience, excellence, and youth taking their place in influential spaces.
Today, The Met Gala for Matrics stands as more than an event. It is a platform designed by youth, for youth, where background does not define worth, and every matriculant is given space to be seen, celebrated, and empowered.
This is not just the end of a school journey.
It is the beginning of a legacy.
Welcome to The Met Gala for Matrics.
THE MET GALA FOR MATRICS
| TIME LINE |
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2023
2024
2025
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In early 2023, while still in high school and disappointed that his own school cancelled its matric dance, Santiago Andrew began creating what would become The Matric Ball, determined to build a world‑class celebration that uplifts South African learners and reimagines how youth are honoured
In 2024, the inaugural Matric Ball was hosted on 21 September at The Leonardo in Sandton, where Santiago Andrew’s bold vision became reality, drawing matriculants from across South Africa to a glamorous red‑carpet night of luxury, pride, recognition, and unforgettable celebration that redefined matric farewells.
In 2025, The Met Gala for Matrics (formerly The Matric Ball) returned on 4 December at the Sandton Hotel, bringing South Africa’s top matriculants together for a night of couture-inspired fashion, red-carpet glamour, and cultural celebration, with appearances by Christall Kay, Doqtor Cabbage, Girlie Lukhule, and Musa Motha, while high-achieving learners were fully sponsored to experience this transformative and empowering gala.
AS FEATURED ON
THE MET GALA FOR MATRICS
| OUR FOUNDER |
Santiago Andrew is a South African entrepreneur and youth visionary best known as the founder and driving force behind The Met Gala for Matrics, formerly known as The Matric Ball.
He launched the concept in 2023 at just 16 years old after experiencing firsthand the disappointment of his own school cancelling its matric dance due to financial constraints, a moment that inspired him to reimagine what a matric farewell could be for all learners.
From this personal frustration, Santiago set out to create a national platform to honour, uplift, and celebrate matriculants across South Africa. With no established blueprint, no major team, and no corporate backing, he spent two years building the event from the ground up, driven by determination and a belief that young people deserve recognition that reflects their hard work, resilience, and emerging leadership.
His first major success came in September 2024, when the inaugural Matric Ball was held at The Leonardo in Sandton, drawing matriculants from various parts of the country to a luxurious celebration of achievement that combined red‑carpet glamour with meaningful cultural significance.
In 2025, Santiago expanded the vision further by rebranding the event as The Met Gala for Matrics, hosting it at the Sandton Hotel and attracting notable personalities while also creating meaningful impact by sponsoring high‑achieving learners who otherwise could not afford to attend.
Beyond organising high‑profile events, Santiago champions youth empowerment, cultural expression, and social impact. His work emphasises creating spaces where young South Africans feel seen, valued, and empowered to enter adulthood confidently and purposefully, while also building community and narrative change through celebration.
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THE MET GALA FOR MATRICS
| OUR TEAM |
THE INSIDE EDIT
EDITORIAL TEAM
The Inside Edit is produced by a dedicated editorial team focused on cultural relevance, accuracy, and thoughtful curation. The team works across research, writing, and review to ensure each piece reflects current conversations, meaningful insight, and a clear understanding of the world teens are navigating today.
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