South African R&B singer Nanette has released a deluxe edition of her debut album Painfully Happy, deepening the project’s exploration of grief and healing with new material that introduces a more hopeful tone. The expanded release follows her featured appearance on amapiano producer Kelvin Momo’s track “Fool Me,” which helped widen her audience.
A Closing Chapter
Nanette describes the deluxe edition as a way to bring closure to a personal chapter. The additional songs, she says, carry a lighter energy than the original album’s emotional weight, while the final track, “Little Light,” ends with a symbolic flatline: a representation of a last breath and the acceptance of death and grief. The choice reinforces the album’s message that healing means learning to live alongside pain, not erasing it.
Cross-Border Collaboration
One of the new tracks, “Taking Me Places,” was written during a Mavin Records songwriting camp in Lagos, Nigeria, where Nanette worked with Nigerian artist Mbryo. She says the production immediately inspired her to create a feel-good record celebrating happiness and personal growth. The song, she adds, continues to remind her to embrace joy and appreciate every opportunity.
Nanette is also encouraged by the growing number of collaborations between South African and Nigerian artists, which she believes foster cultural exchange and creative growth. She points to her own experience in Lagos as an example of how working in new environments can spark fresh ideas. Among the artists she hopes to collaborate with is Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage, whose influence she says has inspired many across the continent.
African R&B’s Evolution
Nanette sees African R&B undergoing an exciting shift, with more artists across the continent redefining the genre while staying rooted in soulful storytelling. She points to the growing use of indigenous instruments and traditional influences, which she believes is expanding the sound’s reach. Her own work, she says, aims to balance emotional authenticity with innovative production.
Women Shaping the Industry
Beyond the music, Nanette notes an increase in women taking on leadership roles behind the scenes, including as producers and creative directors. She hopes this momentum continues, making the industry more diverse and representative of the stories being told.
Inspirations and Advice
Among the South African women who inspire her, Nanette names Thandiswa Mazwai, Tyla, Lordkez, and Shekhinah, praising their originality and consistency. She also has a message for young girls pursuing R&B: keep believing in yourself and never give up, because perseverance is one of the most important qualities an artist can develop.
