This week we spoke to Cape-Town-born rapper, Dee Koala whose stock in the South African hip hop scene has been on the rise for the past few years. Dee has been steadily delivering bars on her own tracks, as well as those of others (Who remembers that fire verse on Utatakho Remix?)
This time around, she’s delivered some notable lines of a different kind after being recruited to be the South African voice of Adidas’ new Impossible is Nothing Campaign. Dee lent her vocals to the Adidas team as she narrated Siya Kolisi’s inspirational video. The powerful visuals in the ad are spinetingling, and Dee Koala’s voice serves as the perfect bedrock for the motivational campaign.
We spoke to her about this latest achievement as well as her latest music.
Dee Koala – It’s all in the voice!
A little birdie told us you worked on the voice over for Siya Kolisi’s video! How did the opportunity come about?
The adidas South Africa marketing team informed me and my team that they have a global opportunity, for me, that they could not disclose at the time. Only to find out that I will be narrating a brand film for Siya Kolisi, once everything was confirmed.
Obviously we know from your rapping that you have a way with words (and a way with delivering words!). How different is it to deliver a power voice over than it is to deliver a killer verse?
Doing a voiceover was not so different from delivering a verse because it ultimately boils down to conceptualizing and the tone required to deliver a certain message. One thing that was different is the fact that I had to do retakes more than I usually re-record a verse in studio.
Did you write the script for the Impossible is Nothing VO?
No, I did not write the Impossible Is Nothing voiceover script.
Did you get to meet/interact with Siya during this campaign?
I did manage to meet Siya Kolisi, for the first time, in Durban. I was there with for the media events with other adidas athletes, and creatives. Siya is a very down to earth person and has a great personality, we shared our stories and got to know more about each other.
Which of the other adidas ambassadors would you be keen to meet with in the near future?
I would love to meet the queen, Beyoncé, as I do listen to her music and love her IVY PARK collections.
What does Impossible is Nothing mean to you?
Impossible Is Nothing, to me, means that you can do and/or achieve anything you put your mind to. The sky is not the limit, you can go above and beyond.
Let’s take a moment to chat about the music – Your new single Spazz dropped just last month to great reception. What’s the feedback from your fanbase been like since they heard the track?
The feedback has been amazing, especially since it was my first single after over a year. I also wanted to introduce my audience and fans to the talented K.Keed (who’s featured on the chorus). It was such a great collaboration because we all complimented each other’s writing styles and our delivery was impeccable.
Can I take a moment to praise the Spazz artwork! I grew up watching cartoon network and love how you recreated Ed Edd n Eddy. What’s the story there?
A friend of mine, Shorn Mhlontlo, has been doing artworks for me since my debut album titled 4 The Khaltsha so it was only right to bring him on board. The ‘Spazz’ beat reminded me of something jiggy and cartoon theme songs. I immediately thought of Ed Edd n Eddy because there’s three of us on the song, it aligned so well with the song as well.
The single is also the first to come out since you bagged a new distribution deal with EMPIRE. How will working with them amplify your music further?
With their international network and great relationships with digital streaming platforms, they will introduce my music to new markets and audiences. What is great about this deal is the fact that I have full creative control over my plans and music whilst still being a 100% independent artist.
Can we expect a project this year?
I cannot promise anything as yet but I am definitely back in studio and recording new music. Just be on the look out and follow me on social media.
Lastly, do you have a closing comment for your fans both existing and new?
To my existing fans: I really appreciate all of you for always supporting and believing in me from the beginning. To my new fans: welcome to the family, and be prepared for experiencing the best version of Dee Koala!
