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As every parent knows, once a child is welcomed to the fold, they leave a permanent mark on the heart.
And for some, making that internal mark visible is what inspires their choice in tattoo.
Some, like local celeb parents AKA and DJ Sammy Sosa, have chosen to honour their children by inking their kids' names onto their bodies.
- WATCH: Mom of two honours her deceased father with talking tattoo
- Proud papa Matt Damon sports his entire family's names on his arm
Others, like Siya Kolisi and DJ Fresh, have taken to something a little more true to life, sporting tattoos of their children's faces (see pictures below).
And according to a recent Parent24 poll, only 3% of SA's parents have done the same.
While rare, they're not the only ones who carry their family members with them wherever they go.
Here's a look at the local and international celebs with similar body art.
Siya Kolisi
In 2016, Siya Kolisi took to Instagram to show off the portrait tattoo he had gotten of his son, Nicholas. "I'm proud of this piece... looking forward to getting more!" He added to the caption.
DJ Fresh
Going for gold is DJ Fresh, who's got an impressive map of Africa made purely of the faces of his "favourite Africans."
His son Lefika takes up the top spot. He's also included his "Late grandfather Kgosi Mmipi Of Metsimotlhabe & the late former president of Botswana Sir QKJ Masire."
DJ Lamiez Holworthy
Another local DJ, Lamiez Holworthy, has so many tattoos that she's earned the nickname, The Tattooed Lady.
The below portrait of her father was completed months after he passed away.
"Some days are better than others but in him, I've gained an angel," she shared.
Buhlebendalo Mda
Buhlebendalo Mda is a vocalist for the South African Acappella group, The Soil, and mom to an eight year old girl.
The singer is careful about what she shares about her personal life, preferring to let her creativity do the talking.
Along with a tattoo of a mother and daughter on her back, the singer also has this portrait of the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on her arm.
Drake
According to reports, rapper Drake has about 30 tattoos, a number of them paying tribute to his family members, from his mother and father to his uncle and grandfather.
Spot the small tattoo of his dad on his arm in the post below:
His father, Dennis Graham, has even gotten his son's image tattooed on his arm as well.
(Scroll through to his dad's Drake tattoo):
Travis Barker
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker nearly lost his life in a 2008 plane crash and needed extensive surgery for burn wounds sustained on 65% of his body.
Due to both the wounds and skin grafting treatment, Barker lost most of his previous tattoos.
The musician has since gotten back in the chair and now has a total of 100 tattoos, including several portraits in honour of his family.
"I have a big tribute to my family. Portraits of dad, mom and two kids - Landon and Alabama."
(Scroll through to see Travis' family portraits):
Did we miss anyone? Do you have similar body art?
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