South African hip-hop sensation Dee Koala has officially dropped her long-awaited sophomore album, “iiNtsikelelo”, now streaming on all major platforms including Apple Music and Spotify. The album, whose title means “blessings” in isiXhosa, is a deeply personal and culturally rich project that celebrates her journey from Khayelitsha to global claim.
Major Highlights
Dee Koala is featured on the cover of Apple Music’s Rap Life International playlist, a prestigious spotlight for global hip-hop voices.- Her track “Nombolo” will be played on Rap Life Radio with Ebro Darden on Friday, August 8th, airing at 6pm Lagos / 7pm Johannesburg on Apple Music 1.- “Nombolo” is also featured on multiple Apple Music playlists including New Music Daily, African Hip-Hop, Mzansi Hip-Hop, and African Music in Spatial Audio.- The album is available in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, mixed and mastered by Waronure.
About the Album “iiNtsikelelo”:- Released: August 8, 2025- Tracks: 18 songs, including standout singles like “Medi Yase Khayelitsha”, “Ndixolele”, “Askies”, and “Mama”.- Features: YoungstaCPT, Maglera Doe Boy, 031choppa, Soul T iDyan, DJ Kaymoworld, K.Keed, SimulationRxps, and more.- Themes: The album explores township pride, music industry politics, personal growth, and emotional vulnerability. It closes with “Thank You”, a heartfelt tribute to those who’ve supported her journey.
Who Is Dee Koala?- Real Name: Odwa Situma- Born: May 11, 1998, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town- Started Rapping: 2016, after transitioning from poetry- Style: Raw, authentic, bilingual (English and Xhosa), rooted in township culture- Nickname Origin: “Dee” from her real name Odwa; “Koala” is her favorite animal, symbolizing how she clings to her dreams like a koala to a tree.- Notable Recognition: Winner of Best Female South African Hip-Hop Award (2020).
Listen Now: Stream “iiNtsikelelo” and join the celebration of one of South Africa’s most compelling voices of hip hop.
Siyanda Ngqayimbana A.K.A. Da blaq Bull: From the Streets of Makhaza to Global Hip Hop Recognition
Siyanda Ngqayimbana, also known as Da blaq Bull, is an emerging hip-hop sensation whose journey from the vibrant streets of Makhaza to the global music stage is capturing hearts and turning heads. Born and raised in the heart of 37sec Ghost Town, Siyanda’s narrative is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Siyanda’s love affair with rap began in 2014 while growing up in Site B, Khayelitsha. At the time, he was not yet recording his tracks, instead opting to express his lyrical prowess through freestyle videos captured on his phone. It wasn’t until he moved back to Makhaza in 2017 that Siyanda’s latent passion for music found fertile ground. In an environment where his friends weren’t particularly attuned to the hip-hop genre, Siyanda’s determination to create music was unyielding. He remained focused on his studies until the call of the craft could no longer be ignored.
A turning point came in Grade 10 when Siyanda’s ardor for writing and rapping was rekindled. A chance Facebook post seeking a studio in Makhaza led him to an encounter with fellow recording artist Nasy C Alta. This meeting marked the inception of Siyanda’s professional music journey. Under Nasy C Alta’s guidance, Siyanda recorded his first track, “Bombay,” produced by SO Deno which rapidly gained viral traction within his community. The track’s success not only established Siyanda as a force to be reckoned with but also ignited a fervor for musical expression that couldn’t be contained.
Siyanda’s trajectory skyrocketed when he collaborated with fellow Cape Town artists Mossi l Bay and Cynth Kid on “Ithongo Lemambs,” a collaboration that etched his name into the very fabric of Cape Town’s hip-hop scene. His international footprint expanded further with the release of “War Ready,” a collaboration with American artist Mizzy Hendrix . This transcontinental collaboration was a testament to Siyanda’s cross-cultural appeal, capturing the attention of listeners across digital platforms.
However, the journey was not without its obstacles. As the studio where he had been recording closed its doors, Siyanda’s musical momentum came to a temporary halt. But in 2023, a stroke of luck revitalized his journey. With the support of a neighbor who happened to be a recording artist armed with a laptop, Siyanda produced his latest track, “Testimony.” A song initially written in 2022, “Testimony” encapsulates Siyanda’s resilience and his unrelenting spirit to keep creating despite the odds.
Mark your calendars for September 20th as Siyanda Da Bull drops “Testimony” across all digital platforms. The release promises to be a testament not only to his growth as an artist but also to his dedication to his craft.
Siyanda Da Bull also has thrilling collaborations on the horizon. With a forthcoming track featuring the talented American artist Moonraq, alongside Mizzy Hedrix, Siyanda’s influence is poised to transcend borders. Furthermore, a collaboration with Rap God and kill Kris’s , another exceptional American artist, is also in the works, promising a musical experience that bridges continents.
Siyanda Da Bull Ngqayimbana’s journey is an ode to the resilience and passion of Africa’s rising hip-hop stars. His relentless drive and unwavering belief in his artistry continue to shape his path to greatness. As Siyanda continues to amplify his presence on the global music stage, he remains an inspiration to aspiring artists across the world.
