issi

Issi Luthando Dlamini is a rising South African musician known for his emotionally grounded yet distinctively calm sound that speaks to life in the townships and the struggles of growing up in poverty. Born and raised in Chesterville, Durban and later moving to the nearby township of Mayville . Issi’s music reflects the raw realities of his environment, blended with a unique sense of purpose and introspection.

His journey into music began at a young age, when a fourth-grade discovery of the track Only by Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Drake lit the spark of inspiration. From there, he dove deep into hip hop, drawing influence from artists like 21 Savage, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, and Juice WRLD. But it was in his high school years at George Campbell High School of Technology that he found his true creative compass in NBA YoungBoy, an artist whose honesty and pain resonated deeply with him.

Issi’s passion for music took on an even deeper meaning after the loss of a close friend and collaborator a moment that became both a personal tragedy and a driving force behind his commitment to the dream they once shared.

By 2025, Issi had begun to gain national recognition in South Africa’s hip hop scene, catching the attention of major names such as Nasty C , Blxckie and others. Through his music, he gives a voice to underrepresented stories, bridging the streets with soul, and creating a sound that resonates far beyond the townships where it all began.