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Long before studio sessions, streaming numbers, international collaborations, and thousands watching her performances on social media, Nanette found her voice in the church choir.
The acclaimed R&B artist's journey into music began at age eight in Sydenham, KZN, before she moved to Gqeberha for high school, where she pursued musical theatre. It was during those years, while posting singing covers on Twitter and YouTube, that an unexpected opportunity came knocking.
“One day, DJ Vigilante asked to sign me to UMG from one of those covers I posted and a recommendation from Rich Mahogany, who had been mentoring me at the time,” she tells Time Out Durban.
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From covers to a number one
Looking back over her career, one moment stands out as the point when Nanette realised music could become more than a passion.
"It was the day I got my first number 1 record with Fool Me,” she says.
Since then, she has carved out a distinctive space in contemporary African R&B, blending soul, hip-hop and African influences with deeply personal songwriting.
Her latest release, Painfully Happy (Deluxe), is the final chapter of a project that explores heartbreak and healing. But rather than ending on a heavy note, the deluxe edition signals a shift towards hope.
"I've come to understand grief in a much deeper way; it no longer cripples me like it once did,” she says. “[This project] reminded me of the extreme resilience I possess. I’m able to conquer anything.”
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Taking her R&B beyond borders
That sense of resilience comes through in the new material, including the uplifting One Life, Little Light, a tribute to her late aunt, and Taking Me Places, a collaboration with Nigerian songwriter Mbryo.
The collaboration came about during a songwriting camp in Lagos, where Nanette worked with Mbryo and South African producers MashBeatz and Christer.
Less than 24 hours after completing the record, Nanette and Mbryo debuted Taking Me Places to a packed audience in Lagos. The crowd's reaction was electric, while a teaser from the performance went on to generate more than 100 000 TikTok views, offering an early glimpse of the excitement around the record before its official release.
This collaboration is part of a broader movement in African music, with artists increasingly crossing geographical and musical borders to create new sounds.
For Nanette, that could be particularly exciting for the future of R&B.
“I see the genre continuing to expand and grow past borders. I think more artists are going to infuse their heritage and identities into the genre,” she notes.
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There isn't one way to write a song
So, how does Nanette turn all that emotion into music?
Apparently, there isn't exactly a set formula.
“Songs always begin differently for me,” she explains. “Sometimes it’s the lyrics or concept that comes first. Sometimes the lyrics come last, and I start with just playing with mumbles and melodies.”
That openness extends beyond songwriting. Away from the studio, she draws inspiration from reading, writing, film, and dance. She's also exploring the visual side of music, teaching herself editing, shooting, and set design.
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A message for women making their way in music
As one of a new generation of women redefining contemporary African R&B, Nanette has built a career grounded in authenticity.
Her journey began with her self-written debut album Bad Weather, which also marked the start of her journey as a producer. Since then, she has collaborated with Kelvin Momo, Blxckie, Nasty C and Tellaman, earned recognition through Apple Music's ALPHA campaign and Spotify's Ones to Watch, and performed alongside Mariah The Scientist and Ella Mai.
As a woman in the industry, Nanette is conscious of the challenges that come with building a career in music. Her advice to young women pursuing their own creative paths, however is refreshingly straightforward.
“I’d tell young women to stay brave, and look after themselves - whatever that looks like.”
And if Painfully Happy (Deluxe) marks the end of one chapter, Nanette isn't planning on taking too long a break before starting the next.
“More music, more interactions, and many more performances!” she promises.
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