Dee Koala is August’s Featured Artist For Apple Music Rap Life Africa

Apple Music’s Rap Life Radio, hosted by Global Editorial Head of Hip‑Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden, will showcase the mysterious South African rap artist Dee Koala this month, as Ebro and Africa Now Radio host Nandi Madida discuss her much‑anticipated second album, iiNtsikelelo.

Translating to “blessings” in isiXhosa, iiNtsikelelo is an unfiltered, profoundly personal exploration of sorrow, development and spiritual enlightenment, with Koala turning suffering into meaning and reclaiming her artistic identity.

When discussing one of the album’s lead tracks, “Nombolo,” Koala says to Apple Music, “It tells a story about growing up in the hood, and seeing how people hustle, how they make money.”

“That is what motivated me to never give up, to always keep trying,” she adds. “The verses speak about the different ways that the hood keeps you going, and I’ll always be thankful for what Khayelitsha has given me.”

With eighteen songs, Dee Koala keeps mapping her ascent, using the same raw narrative style that propelled her debut to success, while staying firmly rooted in her origins.

In addition to Dee Koala, Rap Life Radio will highlight Ghanaian rapper O’Kenneth, the trailblazer of Asakaa—the country’s gritty, indigenous take on drill music—with his fresh single “YIMAYƐ”. The show also spotlights M. I. Abaga, who presents the fiery dancehall‑rap fusion track “Mr. Fantastic.”

Spotlight On

Originating from the streets of Khayelitsha, Dee Koala solidified her position as a rap powerhouse after securing Best Female Artist at the 2020 SA Hip‑Hop Awards, and after a five‑year break, she’s now returning to reclaim her title.

First To Know

Featuring sharp lyricism and deep emotional resonance, iiNtsikelelo contains twelve potent collaborations, with artists such as Maglera Doe Boy, YoungstaCPT, K.Keed, Kila G, and others, all unified under Koala’s distinct vision.

Press Play

Rap Life Africa complements Apple Music’s flagship Hip‑Hop playlist, Rap Life.

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