Ninja Lipsy Biography
Ninja Lipsy is a well-known Zimbabwe’s musician. She has made her mark in the Zimdancehall genre, blending reggae rhythms with local flavors. She grew up in a lively township known for its cultural energy. Her journey from a young girl in the streets to a respected artist shows strength and talent. She first gained attention through her work with top artist Winky D, and her songs often speak about life, love, and standing strong.
This biography looks at her path in a clear way. It covers her start in life, how she built her career, the honors she received, her private side, any tough times, and what it all means.
Ninja Lipsy Early Life
Tendazvaitwa Chitimbe was born on April 3, 1987, in Highfield, one of Harare’s oldest townships. Highfield is a place full of history and community spirit. It played a big role in Zimbabwe’s fight for freedom, and its streets buzz with music and stories. Growing up there, Ninja Lipsy saw the daily struggles and joys of township life. This shaped her music, making it real and relatable to many people.
As a child, she went to local schools, including Highfield High School. School days gave her a chance to explore her love for words and rhythms. She would listen to sounds from nearby homes and events. Jamaican dancehall artists like Lady Saw inspired her, along with local talents. These influences helped her find her voice early on.
Family life in Highfield was simple. Economic times were hard in the 1980s and 1990s, with changes in the country affecting everyone. Yet, this built her toughness. She learned to express feelings through lyrics, turning everyday experiences into art. By her teens, she started trying out rhymes at school and local gatherings. This was the seed of her future in Zimdancehall, a genre that grew strong in places like Highfield.
Her real name, Tendazvaitwa, means something special in Shona, hinting at a destined path. Chitimbe is her family name, tying her to roots in Harare. She has a sister named Lady Bee, who later worked with her in music. These family bonds added support as she stepped into the spotlight. Overall, her early years taught her about resilience, a theme that runs through her songs.
Ninja Lipsy Career
Ninja Lipsy’s music path began around 2009 when she joined Vigilance Records. This label, linked to Winky D, gave her a start. Winky D, known as the Ninja President, became her mentor. She took the “Ninja” part of her stage name from him, showing respect for his guidance. In 2011, she featured on his song “Taitirana paFirst Sight,” which played on TV and radio. This track made her known to a wider audience.
As a female in a male heavy field, she faced doubts. But her bold style won fans. She released early songs like “Kumaninja” in the 2010s, showing her skill with words. Her music mixes dancehall beats with Zimbabwean touches, talking about love, betrayal, and strength.
In 2018, “Pfee” became a big hit. It was on the Avion Riddim by Chillspot Records and producers Levels and DJ Tamuka. This song spread fast, boosting her fame. She followed with tracks like “Hangover,” “Mazano,” and “Chidembo.” Each one added to her list of works.
Her discography includes many singles and features. Here is a list of some key songs:
- Tamba Tamba
- Mazano
- Pfee
- Hangover
- Chidembo
- Chauya Chingoma
- Chinamira
- Kedhu Keke
- Haadike (featuring on Velvet Riddim, June 2025)
- Pikicha
- Handei
- Makadii Nekusvotwa
- Vanosvotwa
- Siya
- Ex Lover (with H Spaccah)
- Mababie Anoita
These tracks show her growth. Early ones focus on fun rhythms, while later ones dive into personal themes.
She has worked with producers like Tman Mount Zion for recent releases. In 2022, she tried house music, showing she can adapt. By 2025, she released “Haadike,” keeping her active. She also acts in films and designs bags, adding to her career.
Social media helps her connect. On Instagram @ninjalipsyofficial, she shares updates and designs. YouTube and Facebook keep fans engaged. Her path inspires, showing how to build a lasting presence in music.
Zimdancehall grew in the 2000s, with artists like her pushing it forward. She has influenced others, like her sister Lady Bee. Her work blends tradition and modern sounds, making it appealing worldwide.
Ninja Lipsy Awards
Ninja Lipsy has earned recognition in her field. In 2014, she got a nomination for Best Female Artist at the Zimdancehall Awards. This showed her growing impact.
In 2016, she received another nomination for the same category at the Zimdancehall Awards. Competitors included Lady Squanda and Bounty Lisa.
These nods highlight her role in lifting female voices in Zimdancehall. Though she did not win, the nominations boosted her profile. They came from fan votes and industry picks, reflecting her popularity.
Her influence goes beyond awards. She has shaped the genre, inspiring new artists. In Zimbabwe, such honors celebrate local talent amid global music trends.
Ninja Lipsy Personal Life
Ninja Lipsy keeps much of her private life quiet, but some details show her human side. She has spoken about not finding luck in love. In a 2017 interview, she said marriage might harm her music focus. By 2018, she shared in Newsday that relationships ended due to her health.
She battles epilepsy, a condition she revealed on Facebook in July 2018. This chronic issue affects the brain, causing seizures. She has faced stigma, with friends and partners leaving. Yet, she uses it to raise awareness, helping others in Zimbabwe where health talks are limited.
Family matters to her. She works with her sister Lady Bee on music and designs. No public info on children exists. She enjoys acting and making crochet bags, sharing on social media.
Her story teaches about living with health challenges while chasing dreams. It adds depth to her music, making songs like “Hangover” more meaningful.
Epilepsy affects many worldwide, and her openness helps reduce shame. Resources like Epilepsy Foundation Zimbabwe support those in need. She balances career and self care, showing strength.
Ninja Lipsy Controversies
Ninja Lipsy has faced setbacks, but few big scandals. A 2017 Herald article called her “the dancehall queen who never was,” noting hype that did not fully happen due to industry issues.
Her epilepsy caused career breaks, reducing shows. Some thought she used drugs, but she clarified it was health related. In 2018, she spoke of being laughed at during seizures.
Label changes and male dominated scenes added challenges. She took short breaks, like in 2022, but returned stronger. No major fights or legal issues mark her record. Her focus stays on music and growth.
These hurdles show the real side of fame in Zimdancehall. She bounced back with releases like in 2025, proving her staying power.
Conclusion
Ninja Lipsy’s life story is one of perseverance. From Highfield beginnings to Zimdancehall stages, she has carved a unique spot. Her music touches on empowerment and real life, inspiring fans across Zimbabwe and beyond.
As a Winky D mentee, she broke barriers for women in the genre. Nominations and hits like “Pfee” mark her success. Facing epilepsy, she advocates for awareness, adding to her legacy.
In 2025, with new songs and ventures, she remains active. Her path teaches that challenges can fuel art. Future artists can look to her as a guide.
FAQs
Who is Ninja Lipsy and what is her real name?
Ninja Lipsy is a Zimdancehall artist from Zimbabwe. Her real name is Tendazvaitwa Chitimbe, born on April 3, 1987.
What are Ninja Lipsy’s most famous songs?
Some top songs include “Pfee” from 2018, “Kumaninja,” “Mababie Anoita,” “Hangover,” and “Haadike” from 2025.
How did Ninja Lipsy start her music career?
She started in 2009 with Vigilance Records and rose with a 2011 feature on Winky D’s “Taitirana.”
What challenges has Ninja Lipsy faced?
She deals with epilepsy, revealed in 2018, which affected relationships and career pacing.
Is Ninja Lipsy still active in music in 2025?
Yes, she released “Haadike” in June 2025 and continues designing and acting.