The South African who went from university dropout to working with Netflix, Marvel, and Disney

However, his journey from a small township in Limpopo to global recognition wasn’t straightforward or easy. 

Malepa was born in Tzaneen and raised in Ga-Kgapane, in Limpopo. His creative flair began from a very young age.

“At the age of eight, I discovered my love for art and spent countless hours drawing and using a paint app on the computer,” he said in an interview with GQ South Africa.

“My father often asked me to help him type work documents, which led me to develop technical abilities using a computer.” 

He said what started as digital sketches and childhood curiosity soon turned into music composition, beat-making, and rapping during his high school years. 

He added that music nudged him toward design. Malepa taught himself photography and video editing to help promote his songs, laying the groundwork for what would become a highly successful creative career.

After high school, he enrolled to study IT at university, but dropped out in his third year due to personal circumstances. That decision, he now said, was pivotal. 

“It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to focus more on my career,” he explained. “I still have intentions of returning to school to complete my education.”

Fast-forward to today, Malepa is the founder and creative director of the Malepa Agency and has earned a coveted spot on the 2025 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list. 

“It’s a huge honour. Every entrepreneur needs validation from what they grew up looking up to,” he said in an interview with Africa Melane. 

“It’s not just a personal achievement, but a win for young creatives who come from where I come from. It shows that in any situation, you can still make something out of your life.”

Working with global giants

Malepa’s portfolio includes work for KFC, Comedy Central, Showmax, BET, M-Net, and DStv, and collaborations with international icons like Drake, Beyoncé, Adele, Taylor Swift, and the late AKA. 

“One of my proudest moments has been the work I’ve done for TV and radio channels, brands, and artists that I admired while growing up,” he said. 

“Being able to influence the media landscape and bring my unique perspective to the table while working with my favourites has been my proudest moment.”

Even with these high-profile accomplishments, Malepa is open about the challenges he faced in building his career. 

“I didn’t come from a place where I had a mentor. I had to be good with losing, and also be good with just winning quietly,” he said. 

He added that loud victories didn’t define success for him, but by what he calls ‘quiet wins’, the unseen milestones that validated the grind. “Every project I take on, I approach with intention.”

Malepa attributed much of his creative and entrepreneurial inspiration to two influential figures: AKA and Kanye West. 

“Their artistry, creativity, and business acumen have always captivated me. I’ve strived to emulate their success, both artistically and as an entrepreneur,” he said. 

It’s been incredibly fulfilling to have had the opportunity to work with AKA and to cross paths with Kanye West.”

Malepa said his motivation today comes from the people who look up to him. He explained that many depend on him emotionally and symbolically. 

When others see that he made it out, they feel inspired to believe they can do the same. This continues to drive him forward. 

Malepa said he still carries the personal goals he set for himself as a boy and is motivated by the desire to reach them. His message to other young South Africans is to start where you are, with what you have. 

“There’s no one definition of success. You don’t have to wait to be chosen. You can literally come from anywhere and do whatever you want to do.” 

“I’m not perfect. I’ve failed. I’ve been broke. I’ve wanted to give up. But those are human emotions. You keep going. Be hopeful. Pray about it. Just do what you do best.”

When asked about the role young South Africans play in shaping the future, Malepa believes that the youth are already driving transformation in their own ways. 

“Each generation has its own way. We’re in an Amapiano era now, and music is one way of telling our stories,” he said.

Issued on BusinessTech by Malcolm Libera | https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/829199/the-south-african-who-went-from-university-dropout-to-working-with-netflix-marvel-and-disney/