Six years in the making, Dee Koala’s sophomore album, “iiNtsikelelo,” is finally here, and it’s a testament to the artist’s enduring connection to her roots. Arriving on August 8, 2025, the 18-track project is a rich and intimate portrait of an artist who, despite her success, remains firmly grounded in the kasi that raised her. The title itself, meaning “blessings” in isiXhosa, is a reflection of the album’s core theme: celebrating the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her career.
From the jump, “iiNtsikelelo” immerses listeners in the vibrant culture and lingo of Khayelitsha. On the track “Medi Yase Khayelitsha,” Koala issues a powerful warning: she’s a lady from Khayelitsha, and that’s not a background to be trifled with. Her homage to her hometown continues on tracks like “Nombolo” and “Khaltsha,” the latter featuring fellow Cape Town hip-hop heavyweight YoungstaCPT. This first half of the album is a masterclass in street-level storytelling, where Koala breaks down music industry politics on “Ekse Kancane” (featuring Soul T iDyan & DJ Kaymoworld) with the same authenticity she uses to paint a picture of her daily life.
As the album progresses, Koala reveals a more vulnerable and introspective side. The second half is a journey into her emotions, exploring themes of regret, lost love, and personal growth. On “Ndixolele,” she teams up with 031choppa to explore the pain of a love lost. “Askies” is a raw and biting look back at a failed romance, with Koala rapping with unflinching honesty: “Not me bonding with the hun you cheated on last week/Not me finding kudala ubusy nez’tricks.” This level of lyrical detail and emotional depth is what sets Dee Koala apart.
The album’s most poignant moment comes on “Mama,” a heartfelt tribute to her late mother. Through a conversational, a cappella verse, bolstered by the layered vocals of Kila G, Koala addresses her mother directly, creating a deeply personal and moving piece of music. It’s a powerful reminder of the people who are the true blessings in her life.
“iiNtsikelelo” is a collaborative effort, with a stellar lineup of features including Maglera Doe Boy on “Gwan,” LaCabra and Sastii on “iMali,” and K.Keed and SimulationRxps on “Ekhaya.” The album’s closing track, “Thank You,” acts as a cinematic credits sequence, with Koala taking the time to acknowledge the “small army of individuals who’ve helped bring her this far.” It’s a fitting end to a project that is as much about celebrating her journey as it is about the music itself.
With “iiNtsikelelo,” Dee Koala has not only delivered a powerful new album but has also reinforced her position as one of South Africa’s most authentic and compelling hip-hop voices. The album is a blessing to her fans and a powerful statement from an artist who is truly a product of her environment.
