Blue Pappi Reveals Why He Dropped Out of School for Music
In a world where education is often seen as the golden ticket to success, Blue Pappi took a bold, unconventional path. At just 20 years old, the Durban-born artist made the daring decision to drop out of his electrical engineering studies and follow his true passion—music.
Speaking candidly about his choice, Blue Pappi explained, “I had to do this. I was in school doing electrical engineering, but I dropped out. It was something I had to do. I didn’t tell my parents—I kept that to myself.” The weight of the decision was heavy, and he acknowledged the internal pressure he faced in making such a drastic move.
For Blue Pappi, education had always felt like an escape from his true calling. “It felt like I was running away from what I was supposed to be doing,” he reflected. “Deep down, I knew exactly where I was supposed to be. I was meant to be in Jozi, making music.”
Although dropping out seemed risky, especially in his first year, Blue Pappi wasn’t deterred. With no money and only the support of friends, he packed his bags and headed to Johannesburg, where his musical journey would take off.
Upon arriving in the city, things started to move quickly. Blue Pappi entered a competition, where he met influential figures like MashBeatz and Maglera Doe Boy. It was here that his track “Oh No” caught the attention of industry insiders. “When I played it, they were like, ‘No way, this kid has something,’” he recalled. “Even though it wasn’t that big, I knew people would love it when they heard it. It was just a matter of time.”
Now, at 22, Blue Pappi reflects on how far he’s come. His decision to leave school wasn’t just about music—it was about self-belief. “I had to put pressure on myself,” he says, recalling the overwhelming uncertainty of his new life in Johannesburg. “You don’t even know how long you’re going to last. I didn’t have any funds when I got here, just friends who supported me. That’s how I made it through.”
Blue Pappi’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even when the road ahead is uncertain. His journey from a school dropout to a rising star in the music scene is proof that sometimes, taking the leap is the only way to reach your dreams.