Malique Cruise

Malique Cruise is a South African creative powerhouse — a professional graphic designer, former R&B singer, and now an innovative Amapiano producer and DJ. With a career spanning over two decades, Malique is best known for his trilogy EPs “Sixteen Minutes Six Seconds”, “Vol. 2: Somewhere In Bahamas”, and “Vol. 3: Euphoric Fortune”, as well as his groundbreaking 2025 comeback releases “Isiqalo” and the Amapiano EP “NYRA (Not Your Regular Amapiano)”.

His journey began in 2000, at just eight years old, as a graphic art enthusiast in Polokwane, Limpopo. Inspired by his own self-designed album cover and fueled by the sounds of Usher, Malique soon ventured into music. By 2006, he co-founded T.E.G (The Evolution Gang), which marked the beginning of a long string of creative ventures — from early recordings with Arizona Records, to founding his own labels, C.Crib Entertainment and later IANO Republic.

Throughout the 2010s, Malique became a key figure in his local creative scene — discovering talent, forming collectives like Prime Courtesy, releasing underground mixtapes, and performing at cultural events. His digital footprint grew with the release of successful singles like “So Much” and “You”, and his sound matured into a signature blend of heartfelt lyrics, experimental production, and genre-blurring influences.

In 2019, after releasing “About Me, Her, Maybe Us” and the “Sixteen Minutes Six Seconds” EP on all major platforms, Malique reached new heights, collaborating with rising producers and dropping viral remixes like “Harvard (Wena Edition)”. However, he periodically retreated from the public eye, often archiving his work as he reinvented both himself and his brand.

By 2020, Malique shifted focus to his full-time profession as a graphic designer and brand strategist, officially transforming IANO Republic into a creative agency. Though he stepped away from the music scene, his connection to sound never fully disappeared.

In 2025, Malique Cruise re-emerged as a producer and DJ, launching IANO Republic Music — a new music production imprint under IANO Republic. His return was marked by the soul-stirring “Isiqalo”, followed by the bold, forward-thinking EP “NYRA (Not Your Regular Amapiano)”. Fusing his design instincts with sonic exploration, Malique now operates at the intersection of sound and visual storytelling.

Malique is no longer just a graphic designer or a musician but a multidimensional creative force constantly evolving yet always rooted in authenticity and innovation shaping the culture through immersive, multidimensional artistry proving that reinvention is not just a comeback, but a canvas.

Following the impact of NYRA, Malique deepened the narrative with NYRA 2 (Not Your Regular Amapiano Still) — a continuation that pushed sonic boundaries even further. The project reaffirmed his fearless approach to music-making, blending raw emotion, experimental textures, and South African street soul into a signature that feels both local and futuristic.

To expand this evolving creative universe, Malique also launched IANO Republic Streams — a live streaming division of IANO Republic dedicated to immersive digital experiences. From behind-the-scenes moments and real-time fan engagement to DJ sets and artist chats, the platform redefines how music and...