Issi Reflects On His Journey In An Emotive Throwback Post

Issi Reflects On His Journey In An Emotive Throwback Post. Durban hip-hop rising star Issi, born Issi Luthando Dlamini, has taken fans back to where his journey began, sharing a poignant childhood photograph alongside a powerful message about how far he has come.

“Watch me fly. We came a long way. From a shack to a brick house to the world. I’m a Blekkes Baby,” Issi wrote over the black-and-white image, which captures him as a young child standing alongside another youngster with an adult figure placing protective hands on their shoulders.

Set to Riky Rick’s “Jordans Intro”, the post offers a glimpse into the personal story behind Issi’s music while highlighting the journey from his early surroundings to his growing presence in South African hip-hop.

The “Blekkes Baby” reference also carries deeper meaning for listeners familiar with Issi’s music. “Blekkes” is one of the defining tracks from his project Dawn ~ The Beginning, where he reflects on his upbringing and repeatedly declares his connection to Blekkes through the line “Ngphum e Blekkes”, meaning “I come from Blekkes”.

The latest post therefore feels like more than a childhood throwback. It connects Issi’s present-day ambitions to the story he has already documented through his music, turning his background into a source of pride rather than something to leave behind.

At 21, the Chesterville-raised rapper has continued to carve out his own space with music rooted in honest storytelling, ambition and personal experience. Songs including “Blekkes” and “Bhantshi”, alongside collaborations with artists such as Blxckie and DJ Sliqe, have helped introduce audiences to his understated but distinctive sound.

For Issi, the journey is clearly still unfolding. The photograph captures where it started, while his message points towards where he believes it is heading.