In a candid conversation with TimesLIVE, Dee Koala shared her thoughts on the importance of a strong support system and living authentically, both of which she believes are essential to driving social change. The Khayelitsha-born rapper, known for her fierce lyrics and unapologetic style, is part of the JiK’iZinto campaign, which uses various media platforms to inspire and educate young people on crucial issues like mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and economic empowerment.
The campaign, which features a TV show, music, and a web series, includes a collaborative track titled JiK’iZinto created by Dee Koala, DJ KMat, and Boohle. In addition, Dee Koala is set to appear in SABC1’s upcoming educational series DiChipi. Reflecting on her involvement in the campaign, she emphasized its personal significance, saying, “The initiative is very close to home. I wish it came sooner because for these things, especially in the music industry, you need such a support system, and I think it is exactly that. It pushes you and has your back. It is like a youth movement of support and encouragement.”
This year, Dee Koala found herself in the headlines for more than just her music when her ex-boyfriend, Yonke Gugushe, alleged in an interview with TshisaLIVE that he had suffered emotional abuse during their relationship. Addressing the scrutiny surrounding her personal life, DeeKoala expressed her intention to use her art as a means of revealing a different side of herself to her fans. “When we did the web series, it dug a bit into my personal side. Watching it, I was like, I’m glad people can see me as a normal human being and they get to see that even though we are famous, we are also real people. It is a harder reality to face when you are in the limelight,” she shared.
Dee Koala also touched on the pressures of being in the public eye and the expectation to be a perfect role model. “The way we carry ourselves as public figures, people pay attention to it, but sometimes it can be heavy on our shoulders because you have to be a perfect public figure, a role model. Nobody asked for that. I like sharing the importance of being real to yourself. Even if you find inspiration or look up to someone, that doesn’t mean you must forget yourself,” she said.
As she continues to navigate the challenges of fame, Dee Koala is using the JiK’iZinto campaign to reconnect with her roots and embrace her true self. “Sometimes I put a lot of pressure on myself and I think this campaign kind of brought me home a little bit to say that it is OK to be you.”
Fans of Dee Koala have something to look forward to as the rapper confirmed that new music is on the horizon. “The album is coming through. There’s no date yet. It’s been a long time since I dropped an album. My fans are getting mad at me, and I’ve been getting DMs and emails. They do not want to hear an excuse,” she admitted.
With this upcoming release, Dee Koala plans to reflect on the past year, capturing both the public and private moments that have defined her journey. “I will be recalling the year we had. I had quietness at some point, recalling the things that people saw and the things they didn’t see. Life is actually on social media. And other personal stories as well.”
