Undoubtedly, Blue Pappi is a rare gem, with talent so unique it feels almost generational. His ascent to stardom has been nothing short of mesmerizing. Hailing from Ladysmith in KwaZulu Natal, he is the epitome of a multifaceted artist—one whose craft defies easy categorization or confinement. Is he a rapper, a singer, or something beyond? I still can’t quite put him into any one box, which speaks to the depth and range of his artistry.
My first encounter with his music was through Horid The Messiah’s “INKUNZI,” where Blue Pappi made a guest appearance that left me utterly captivated. Intrigued, I immersed myself in his discography, beginning with his EP, “A Voice Like A Sequined Razor Blade”, where the standout track “OH NO!” first caught my ear. Not long after, he released “Mona Lisa,” a single featuring LaCabra and Lowfeye, which remains a personal favorite—perhaps not coincidentally, as it dropped on my birthday, November 4th. From there, I took notice of his work, particularly his compelling verse on LaCabra’s hit single “Dangerous,” featuring Sastii. That infectious trap anthem instantly pulled me deeper into his orbit, turning me into a Qweller super fan.
In 2024, Blue Pappi continued to affirm his prowess, releasing a string of singles, including “Ekhaya” in January, and “Nomalizo,” in March, where he joined forces with fellow Qwellers: LaCabra, Lowfeye, and JustMango. His collaborations are vast and varied, including a memorable verse on Sjava’s Gold-certified love song “Typhoon.” The line crafted by Blue Pappi on the song “Umoya wakho ngathi lwandle ntambama” lingers with me each time I hear it, likening a lover’s aura to the serene embrace of the sea at dusk—proof positive that Zulu rizz is unparalleled. He has also made notable contributions to Lowfeye’s “Mfana kaMakhulu” project, gracing both the titular track “Mfana KaMakhulu” and “Indawo.”
Just last week, on September 6th, uMfana Ohlaza unveiled his latest offering, “Took Me For A Nai.” It’s a brief, two-minute piece of ethereal beauty that frustrates as much as it enchants, due to its brief length, leaving me yearning for more. Produced by Lucent.exe, the track finds Blue Pappi’s voice floating over a melancholic chord progression that conjures a deeply soulful atmosphere. A saxophone, delicately draped over the beginning and end, enhances the hauntingly soothing quality of his vocals, crafting an ambiance that invites a sort of blissful escape. The song feels like a dreamscape, something to be experienced with closed eyes, an invitation to drift away from reality.
In “Took Me For A Nai,” Blue Pappi flawlessly marries contemporary influences with traditional Zulu and Afropop soundscapes, staying true to his roots. He stays true to the sound that best showcases his talents, weaving his voice through soulful beats and melodies proving that he was indeed right when he said “Mfana Ohlaza yinkinga ngeMelody” on LaCabra’s “Dangerous”. The backing voices that emerge just before the chorus imbue the song with a sense of presence and immediacy, as though the listener is right there in the studio, feeling every note as it is born. Within this track, Blue Pappi celebrates both his artistry and his journey, reflecting on his rise from the lowest valleys to the pinnacle of his potential. He sings predominantly in Zulu, peppered with dashes of English, affirming his place as an artist who honors where he comes from while bravely navigating where he is headed.
With “Took Me For A Nai” swiftly becoming a fan favorite, having garnered about 20,000 Spotify streams in just five days, it’s clear that Blue Pappi is on a path to greatness. Deeply rooted in authentic Zulu music while drawing on hip-hop, Afropop, and R&B influences, his idiosyncratic sound is a fusion of genres that retains an unmistakably African authenticity. His warm, honey-toned voice—both in its time and timeless—is rich with soul, and his emotive delivery makes his music a comforting haven for listeners. Blue Pappi’s tenacity and versatility leave me eagerly awaiting the next dimensions of his talent that he will reveal and hopefully a new project.
Stream “Took Me For A Nai” here: http://africori.to/tookmeforanai
