Nanette Redefines Identity and Culture Through Her Music

The South African R&B singer opens up about her multicultural roots, personal growth and the power of family and storytelling in shaping her artistry.

Nanette, South African singer and songwriter is embracing her identity through her music and cultural roots. A woman who knows who she is and where she comes from, Nanette proudly celebrates her heritage while using her art to explore self-discovery and resilience.

Throughout her journey, people have often mistaken Nanette for being colored, but she never hesitates to correct them. Coming from a multicultural family with a Zulu mother and a Xhosa father, whose mother was classified as Colored, she grew up surrounded by a blend of traditions that shaped her worldview.

During her high school years, Nanette experienced what she calls an “identity crisis.” She felt torn between different communities one treating her as not “black enough” and another treating her as not truly one of them. “Because you don’t speak their language, your hair doesn’t look like this or whatever,” she recalls.

Her father helped her understand her heritage and her place in it. He explained that in African culture, “you are what your father is,” which grounded her sense of belonging as a Xhosa woman. “We come from a line of very powerful men,” Nanette said proudly. “My grandfather was one of the most popular poets and helped translate the Xhosa dictionary into English and Afrikaans.”

That conversation with her father became a turning point. It gave her clarity and peace about who she is. “I know my lineage, and I know the people I come from,” she said. “Those people have created their own culture and their own sense of family that doesn’t need to be dictated by anyone else.”

Nanette proudly identifies as a black woman raised by strong black women. “The first language I ever spoke was Zulu. It wasn’t English,” she said. Family is deeply important to her, and that love is reflected in her music particularly in her song “Abazali,” an ode to her father, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and late aunt. Each of them played a vital role in raising her within a community of care and discipline.

The song “Abazali” carries a message about nurturing, respect for elders, and restoring values of gratitude and family connection. “It’s about making being good to our parents cool again,” she said with a smile.

Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.

Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.

In August, Nanette released a new project titled “Painfully Happy,” an exploration of emotion, growth, and vulnerability. Though her journey in the music industry has been rewarding, it hasn’t been easy. “I always set unrealistic standards for myself,” she admitted. “When I don’t reach them, I get disappointed. But the journey has been heartwarming. I’ve met people who have encouraged me more than they realize.”

A true songwriter at heart, Nanette’s career has been heavily shaped by writing camps, where artists gather to collaborate and create music in intimate settings. One of her biggest songs, “Talk to Me,” featuring Blackie, came from such a session. The song, which became her most viewed video on YouTube, was originally started by Blackie, who later gave it to her to release when his schedule didn’t allow for R&B releases.

Nanette also worked with acclaimed American producer Andre Harris on the song “Make It Dance,” part of her “Painfully Happy” project. Harris, known for his work with Kehlani, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and D’Angelo, became a mentor figure to Nanette. Through their collaboration, she learned the value of longevity and consistency. “Meeting him taught me to play the long game,” she said. “I need to be good to people, respect those around me, and just keep my head down and work.”

As she continues her artistic evolution, Nanette is preparing for a major live show at the end of October. Though the process is both exciting and stressful, she says performing live is her favorite part of being an artist. “I can’t wait for people to hear the music. It’s sounding really great,” she said.

Joining her on stage will be MandiFeze, a music and performance duo known for folk-inspired songs about healing and personal growth. “I want people to come and feel like they’ve had a conversation with themselves that sparked healing,” Nanette said. “If I can do that by singing my story, then I’ve done my job.”

About The Author