South African contemporary R&B artist Nanette has released Painfully Happy (Deluxe), an expanded version of her project that adds five new songs and shifts the emotional narrative from grief to hope.
The deluxe edition includes the previously released tracks “Baggage,” produced by Grammy winner Andre Harris, and “Ask For Nun,” alongside three new songs: “One Life,” an uplifting reminder to embrace the present; “Little Light,” a personal tribute to the late aunt who inspired the album title; and the focus single “Taking Me Places,” which celebrates growth and new possibilities.
“I’ve come to understand grief in a much deeper way; it no longer cripples me like it once did,” Nanette said. “These new songs reflect that growth. They’re lighter, more hopeful, and about letting go of the pain, embracing healing, and looking forward to building a better life for myself. It feels like the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.”
Cross-Border Collaboration
“Taking Me Places” was written during a songwriting camp at Mavin Studios in Lagos and brings together Nigerian songwriter Mbryo with South African producers MashBeatz and Christer. The track blends contemporary R&B with influences from both countries, highlighting creative exchange across borders.
Mbryo described the session as seamless: “Working with Nanette was a beautiful experience. It felt like two inseparable friends creating art without borders or restraint. The moment we wrapped that session, we knew we had something special.”
Within 24 hours of completing the song, the pair debuted it live at Obi’s House in Lagos. A teaser of the performance quickly surpassed 100,000 views on TikTok.
Artistic Evolution
Nanette’s music fuses contemporary R&B, soul, hip-hop, and subtle African influences. The deluxe edition retains the emotional honesty of her earlier work while introducing a brighter, more confident sound. Her debut album Bad Weather established her as a self-written and self-produced artist, and she has since collaborated with acts including Kelvin Momo, Blxckie, Nasty C, and Tellaman. She has also been featured in Apple Music’s ALPHA campaign and Spotify’s Ones to Watch, and has performed alongside Mariah the Scientist and Ella Mai.
With the deluxe edition and the cross-border single “Taking Me Places,” Nanette continues to expand her reach while contributing to a more connected African music landscape.
