Tjipo Malankan

Tjipo Malankan, known by his stage name Sipho Ntjie, is a talented musician and artist whose journey began in Alexandra, South Africa. Raised by his mother's family in rural Limpopo, he gained valuable insights into the contrasting realities of township and rural life. In 2014, he moved to Pretoria, where he fully embraced his passion for music and art.

Sipho Ntjie's music and writing offer a unique perspective on the complexities of human behavior and the contrasting environments he has experienced. His music is characterized as "Funky Kasi Soul Rap," a soul-stirring genre that incorporates deliberate use of slow, cut-and-play techniques, carefully chosen beats, and raw instrumentation for his captivating live performances. His writing style seamlessly blends humorous Zulu punchlines with words from Sepedi and English.

Sipho Ntjie's journey in music began in 2006 when he first ventured into rap. In 2012, he recorded his debut track, marking the beginning of his solo career. Collaborating with local talents is a key aspect of his artistic process, allowing him to create music that resonates with diverse audiences.

His breakthrough in the music scene came in Pretoria, where he showcased his talent at the Feast of the Clowns event in 2017 and 2018. In 2016, he released his first music video, further establishing his presence as an artist. Throughout his career, he has achieved significant milestones, including the release of the Okwamanje Mixtape in 2019, a collection of nine tracks that showcased his growth and versatility. Additionally, his performance alongside Samthing Soweto at the Bang the Drum event in 2019, collaboration with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Orchestra (The Big Band) in 2020, and participation in an event hosted by J Something at the Sun Arena in Pretoria have solidified his position as an artist of immense talent.

During his time in Pretoria, Sipho Ntjie became a regular performer at Black Labone shows every Thursday and organized House 33 at TUT Arts campus, both of which played a vital role in nurturing and promoting the local music scene. One of his notable tracks, "Everybody is Malankan," became an inspiration for many and contributed to the growth of these movements. Now back in Alexandra, he curates Dark City Sessions, a Hip Hop event dedicated to preserving the culture of Hip Hop and underground music in the area. Sipho Ntjie's passion for music and his commitment to fostering artistic expression continue to make a lasting impact on the local music scene.