In Conversation with Blxckie: Football, Music and the Festive Spirit

In Conversation with Blxckie:

Football, Music and the Festive Spirit

Author: Erica Mathye

With a voice that bridges hypnotic hip-hop and fierce trap, Sihle Sithole — famously known as Blxckie — is more than just a rapper. His music pulls you into a bottomless barrel of creativity, rhythm and raw mastery. Since his unforgettable breakout in 2021, Blxckie has transformed himself into an international household name, earning admiration far beyond South African borders.

Blxckie, who hails from Durban, burst onto the South African hip-hop scene with guns blazing. The 26-year-old star captured the attention and hearts of many — hip-hop fan or not — through his unique sound, easy swagger, sharp humour and magnetic aura.

But behind the music is a passionate football lover. He has been open about his love for the game, both on the pitch and in the grandstands and has fully immersed himself in Masandawana culture. Even with a schedule packed with studio sessions, shows and travel, his love for football — and for Mamelodi Sundowns — remains as strong as ever.

In a recent conversation with the Digital Magazine team, Blxckie painted a vivid picture of his love for the Brazilians, his life in music and what a festive season looks like for one of the country’s brightest stars.

Q1: What is your fondest Mamelodi Sundowns memory?

ANS: My fondest Mamelodi Sundowns memory has to be watching the Nedbank Cup 24–0 victory against Powerlines FC. I probably watch that game every month. That is what piqued my interest for this team that I love so much.

Q2. What has been your favourite Mamelodi Sundowns moment this year?

ANS: I am fortunate enough to attend games these days, and that has honestly been one of my biggest highlights this year. Whenever I had free time, I made sure I was in the stadium, soaking in the energy of the Yellow Nation and watching the team play live. Growing up in Durban, I did not get to experience Mamelodi Sundowns matches in person as often as I wished — mostly because of distance and circumstances at the time. Now, after working hard and reaching a point where I can create those moments for myself, it feels amazing to take my friends along and enjoy a full Masandawana match experience together.

Q3. What does a festive season look like in the life of an artist?

ANS: The Festive season is the time when you try to see as many people as you can — that being your fans. So there is a lot of travelling and maybe there are a lot of similarities between artists or entertainers and footballers. Obviously, it does affect our time with family and friends. A lot of us try to be home on Christmas, but it is close to impossible. So, we end up moving family time to late January when everything has settled down.

Q4. Why do you think music is an integral part of people’s lives during the festive season?

ANS: Music serves as a background assistance to a lot of things people do during the festive season. A lot of people are fond of having the concept of Song of the Year because it is like a timestamp, really. A few years from now, when you hear a certain song, it will remind you of a certain time in your life, usually the festive season.

Q5. This year, what are you looking forward to doing with your festive downtime, should you have any?

ANS: I would really love to go to the beach, to be honest. I have not had the chance this entire year. I was in Durban recently and still could not make time to touch the sand (laughs). So, if I do get some proper downtime, the beach is definitely where I will be. I am more of a warm-water person, so I would probably choose somewhere like Durban, where you can relax without freezing in the water.

As for what fans can expect in 2026, Blxckie is gearing up to keep heads bopping and feet stomping in the New Year — and of course, to watch even more football.
“I am excited for the Somnyama Show. I am trying to make it bigger and better for 2026. The coming year (2026) will probably be the year when the album is out. There will be a lot of travelling. I am also excited to grow the brand and to watch more Mamelodi Sundowns games.”

Blxckie’s 2025 Playlist:
The Hits You Can’t Skip:

Blxckie ft. Cassper Nyovest –
U Must Neva

Nasty C ft. Blxckie –
Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo)

Brotherkupa ft. Blxckie & K1llbrady –
Please Don’t Kill My Vibe

Maphorisa, Xduppy, Scotts Maphuma ft. Pcee, Seun1401, LeeMcKrazy & Blxckie
Ngibolekeni

Naledi Aphiwe ft. Blxckie & LilyFaith –
Waiting for You

Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Xduppy ft. Young Stunna, Thatohatsi & Nkosazana Daughter –
Abantwana Bakho

Samthing Soweto ft. Blxckie –
Amagetdown

Samthing Soweto –
Deda

K1llbrady –
Rubber Band Gang

DJ Sliqe ft. Blxckie, KindlyNxsh & issi –
Shake