Joel Matladi

Joel Matladi is an Creative entreprenuer, Director, and the Founder of Blacknative Studios, a Johannesburg-based animation studio specializing in high-end 2D animation, motion design, and culturally rooted African storytelling. With over a decade of experience in both the advertising and animation industries, Joel has built a career creating compelling visual campaigns and original animated content for brands, artists, and international creative partners. His background in advertising has shaped a strong foundation in visual communication, storytelling, design, and directing, allowing him to bridge commercial creativity with cinematic animation. Throughout his career, Joel has worked across directing, creative direction, art direction, character design, storyboarding, animation, and post-production, leading projects from concept through to final delivery. His work includes acclaimed productions such as Glisten and Ubuntu, which have earned recognition internationally. Through Blacknative Studios, Joel is committed to developing African stories and visual identities that are authentic, ambitious, and globally relevant. Beyond production, he is a passionate advocate for the growth of South Africa’s animation industry, championing sustainable local production, audience development, and greater opportunities for African animation talent.