South African hip hop artist and songwriter Lix has unveiled the much-anticipated music video for his prominent single iMali, featuring the influential Xhosa hip hop artist Flash Ikumkani.
Released on 21 September 2026 via Pika Records, this music video sheds new light on the title track from Lix’s debut EP, which was launched on 31 July. The collaboration bridges Lix’s Western Cape heritage with Flash Ikumkani’s Eastern Cape background, showcasing Xhosa rap within a narrative focused on ambition and the significance of personal values.
For Lix, iMali poses an important question: what does your money represent, or more generally, what are you truly striving for? The song delves into themes of financial stress, self-improvement, and the pursuit of a better existence while maintaining a sense of identity.
Flash Ikumkani enhances the track with his unique Xhosa rap style, which augments Lix’s own delivery and reinforces their collaboration despite their geographic differences. Their synergy imbues the single with a robust vernacular hip hop identity, enabling its message to resonate well beyond its primary topic.
This release continues the narrative established in Lix’s six-track debut EP, iMali, which fuses elements of rap, trap, R&B, and Afro Soul. The project has already garnered tens of thousands of streams, inviting listeners to engage with the broader sounds and concepts introduced by the rapper.
The EP includes tracks such as iMali featuring Flash Ikumkani, Changes, Falling In Love, Igorha, Beggars and Choosers, and Mina Ngiyavuma featuring Malik. Notably, Changes has found its place in the Xhosa Hip Hop Top 10 charts.
Hailing from George, Lix is carving out a niche as a rising talent in South African hip hop, with a particular focus on Xhosa rap. His music incorporates various influences while remaining grounded in personal narratives and contemporary issues.
With the release of the iMali music video, Lix is further solidifying the groundwork laid by his debut EP, while the collaboration with Flash Ikumkani aims to present the track to an even broader audience.
