Cape Town-based songwriter and female rapper Odwa Situma, professionally known as Dee Koala, who sees herself as a voice for many spoke to BONA and shared what music means to her.
Many of her fans have always wondered where her stage name came from. Answering the question, Dee said that growing up she had no nickname. Seeing that her first name was already short, her friend decided to call her Dee.
“When I started being a rapper, I needed a name so I went with Dee and added Koala, this is because it is my spirit animal,” added the award-winning artist.
The Adidas ambassador, who has worked with many other artists, shared that according to her music, it “resembles freedom for the mind, it is the way I express myself and have fun.”
She also added that her music is nostalgic for Kasi life stories that people relate to. “I share the Kasi struggles, I have become the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.”
While speaking about music, Dee told BONA that her favourite song right now is Gwan which features Maglera Doe Boy. “I love this because of how it was received, after two years of not dropping anything, I needed to say something. People received it so well it even has a dance move,” she shared.
Dee is not only a rapper but the founder of 4TheKhaltsha. She explains this initiative as a music festival that was inspired by Cotton Fest, “It is music for the Khaltsha, not only for Hip Hop but for DJs too.” The festival which usually happens in Cape Town has been going on for four years now and this year it is going to Johannesburg for the first time.
“I have always wanted to be a corporate girl, so I made 4TheKhaltsh my baby. It has been tricky trying to separate business and pleasure because now I have to respect my friends as brands but it’s been four years now, so I am doing a good job,” said the rapper.
When asked if she was working on new music, Dee answered, “Of course, I always drop singles throughout the year but because a lot of people have been nagging, I have an album coming up, there will be features and some visuals for some of my work.”
It is evident that the music industry is not for the fainthearted. Dee gave words of encouragement to upcoming artists, saying, “It is not easy, it never was but you need to trust yourself, believe, pray, and never stop dreaming. Be yourself at all times, do not limit yourself.”
She concluded by advising these artists to love themselves and always take care of their surroundings.
FACEBOOK: @Dee Koala Whuzet
INSTAGRAM: @dee_koala
TWITTER: @DeeKoala_
