Nanette Embraces Her Roots and Redefines Identity Through Music
South African RnB singer and songwriter Nanette stands firm in who she is. She knows her roots, her culture, and her story.
For years, people have mistaken her for being Coloured. She never hesitates to correct them. Nanette was born into a multicultural family, with a Zulu mother and a Xhosa father whose own mother was classified as Coloured. During high school, she struggled with her identity. Some people said she wasn’t “black enough,” while others made her feel she didn’t belong. She turned to her father for guidance. His response changed everything.
“In African culture, you are what your father is,” he told her. He explained their family’s lineage, sharing stories of her grandfather, one of the most respected Xhosa poets, who helped translate the Xhosa dictionary into English and Afrikaans.
That conversation helped her embrace her identity as a Xhosa woman. “After that talk, every bit of confusion faded. I know my lineage, I know the people I come from, and those people know themselves,” she said. Nanette refuses to follow society’s expectations of race. “I’m a proud black woman, raised by black women. The first language I ever spoke was Zulu. It wasn’t English.”
Family is central to her life and music. Her song “Abazali” is a tribute to the people who raised her — her father, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and late aunt. “Ndingu’mntana ka makhulu,” she says with pride, meaning “I am my grandmother’s child.” Her grandmother, a Zulu nurse who served for over 30 years, was her greatest role model.
“Abazali” promotes respect for parents and elders. It’s a reminder that discipline and gratitude never go out of style.
In August, Nanette released her new project, “Painfully Happy.” She describes the experience as challenging but rewarding. “I set very high standards for myself. When I don’t meet them, I get disappointed, but this journey has been heartwarming. I’ve met so many people who inspired me without even realizing it.”
Nanette’s songwriting is the foundation of her career. Many of her biggest hits came from writing camps, where artists collaborate in intimate settings. “I’m quite shy, so writing camps are perfect for me. They give me space to connect with others without pressure.”
One of her most popular songs, “Talk to Me,” featuring Blxckie, came from one such camp. Blxckie had started the track, but later handed it to her to finish and release. The song became a major success and her most-viewed video on YouTube.
On “Painfully Happy,” Nanette worked with Grammy-winning American producer Andre Harris, known for hits with Kehlani, Jill Scott, and Musiq Soulchild. Their collaboration, “Make it Dance,” came through her management, ACA Africa Creative Agency, and a partnership with Exodus Entertainment.
Nanette says working with Harris was life-changing. “He taught me to play the long game. To stay humble, be kind to people, and keep working hard if I want to be legendary.” She is preparing for a major live show at the end of October, which she describes as exciting but demanding. “Live music is my favorite part of this job. I can’t wait for people to hear the new music. It’s sounding really great.”
Joining her will be MandiFeze, a duo formed by Mandisa Nomalungelo Yende and Lufezo Yamandumo Bovungana, known for their folk-inspired songs about healing and growth. “I want people to leave that show feeling like they’ve had a conversation with themselves,” Nanette said. “If I can spark healing through my story and music, then I’ve done my job.” Confident, grounded, and deeply connected to her heritage, Nanette stands as one of South Africa’s most authentic voices. Her music is not just sound — it’s identity, legacy, and love in motion.
