Johnny Malepa has emerged as one of South Africa’s most compelling young creatives, a multidisciplinary force shaping how African stories and visuals resonate in global spaces. As the founder and creative director of Malepa Agency, he has built a portfolio that reflects both technical mastery and artistic intuition, working with brands and entertainment giants whose influence stretches far beyond the continent.
Raised in Ga Kgapane after being born in Tzaneen, Limpopo, Malepa’s journey into creativity began early. GQ South Africa reported that he started sketching at the age of eight and later taught himself beat making, photography, and video editing, all from his home computer. These formative experiences created a foundation that would later support his evolution into a complete visual and creative storyteller.
Dont’t Miss This: Tapiwa Matsinde Elevating African Craft and Design on the Global Stage
Malepa initially pursued a degree in information technology, but he left university in his third year. As covered by BusinessTech, he described the decision as a blessing in disguise because it allowed him to fully invest in the creative path he had always felt drawn to. This leap of faith set the stage for what would become one of the most recognizable youth-led creative agencies in South Africa.
He established Malepa Agency in 2019, and within a few years the company had secured major clients across entertainment, technology, and consumer brands. According to MyBroadband, the agency’s client list includes Netflix, Disney, HBO, Samsung, KFC, and leading African music artists such as AKA. The agency’s work spans creative direction, digital campaigns, multimedia production, and visual branding, placing Malepa at the center of a new wave of African creative influence.
His achievements have been widely acknowledged. Mail and Guardian recognised him in the 2024 edition of its 200 Young South Africans list, celebrating his contributions to arts and entertainment. In 2025, he was selected for Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, an honour reported by 2OceansVibe that highlights his status as a rising leader in the creative economy. These recognitions affirm his growing impact not only as a creative professional but also as an entrepreneur building structures that empower others.
Throughout his career, Malepa has blended bold imagination with disciplined execution. In his conversation with GQ South Africa, he reflected on his work on AKA’s “Touch My Blood” and explained how the project shifted perceptions about what his creativity could achieve. Moments like these have defined his journey and demonstrate how collaboration and cultural relevance remain central to his work.
Johnny Malepa represents a generation of African creatives who see the world as their canvas. Through his agency, his collaborations, and his commitment to excellence, he continues to expand the possibilities for African visual storytelling. His trajectory is a testament to resilience, vision, and the transformative power of creativity grounded in purpose.
