72 HOURS WITH DEE KOALA

Words: Nhlanhla Masemola + Dee Koala | Photography: Supplied

If you haven’t heard of Dee Koala, let us bring you up to speed. The 21-year-old rapper from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, kick-started her career last year with Whuzet, an infectious track that saw her showing off her fresh flow and multilingual bars. The song, an ode to her hometown and its influence on her music, fittingly introduced her to South African stages. And although she may be a recent arrival to rap music, it’s telling that she’s already caught the music industry’s attention, whether it’s a Riky Rick invite to perform at summer music festival Major League Gardens or featuring on a hot Moonchild Sanelly track.

With a long and exciting career ahead of her, Dee landed an exclusive collaboration with adidas Originals and debuted her fresh street-style edit right here on Superbalist. With a music career on the rise, every day has a surprising outcome, says Dee. “If I'm really bored, I put on makeup, dress up and take pics in my yard. Lame, I know, but it makes me feel like I did something productive for the day. But the days that end up with a performance are my best days.” Join us on a quick tour of 72 hours with the young rapper, in her own words.

7am

Ping! My notifications and direct messages wake me up. I guess my day has officially started. I reply to my messages and get ready to take a shower and thereafter, I pack my clothes. Why do I always pack at the last minute? But at least it's really not that hard to know what to pack. Three stripes is the answer. Can't go wrong with adidas Falcon and Yung-96.

7.15am

My flight leaves at 9:25am. After I shower, I grab some coffee and then I'm off to the airport. Not to sound spoilt, but I hate flying. I think I look better in a jet.

11.40am

Whuzet Jozi! Despite the fact that my sinuses start acting up the moment I arrive, I'm very excited to be here. Food first, then naptime.

5pm

Fun fact: I don’t like leaving my hotel room when I travel. I have many friends in Johannesburg and there are a few people who’d like to see me, but I really want to spend some time alone.

6.30pm

Planning my set for tomorrow. We're starting off with Friday Freestyle, Sel’ iWash then Whuzet. By far my favourite is Friday Freestyle. It's a banger!

9pm

It’s a little early, but tomorrow is another day. I need to wash my face and sleep.

11am

I'm excited, because today is the day I get to perform. Today is the day Jozi gets to witness dynamite explode!

12pm

Breakfast is done. Eggs, bacon and bhisto is the way to start the day, with a smoothie on the side of course. I need a shower and I need to plan my outfit. This might take a while.

5pm

I'm ready. My set is ready. I look good. Can’t put makeup on, because I'm going to sweat it off anyway.

5.30pm

I’m in the Uber with Stiff Pap heading to Zone 6 , Soweto, on my way to perform. I love this driver. I feel safe.

9pm

It's about that time. The venue is fully packed and Darkie Fiction just killed it on stage. Am I feeling the heat? I am the heat!

9.30 pm

My set was fire. Everybody really felt it. Every performance for me is always special. I was blessed with a gift that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

11pm

After seeing Riky Rick’s set, I'm very satisfied with tonight. It was incredible! Although I want to celebrate, I won’t go clubbing. I have drinks in my hotel room waiting for me.

11.45pm

Back in my hotel room at Sandton Apartments Hydro. I'm out like a light.

6.30am

To be honest, I can only stay in Jozi for a short while. It’s not only the weather, I just love home.

8am

I’m at the airport already, because my flight is at 8.50am. Cape Town, I'm coming home!

11.05am

My sinuses have let up and I can breathe again. One thing I'm really excited for is my mom’s cooking. I hope she made some seven colours Sunday kos, because I have the appetite for it.