Trending in Nadia Nakai’s World
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Quick Facts
Born
1990
1990
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Nadia Nakai Kandava, born Nadia Nakai Dlamini, is a Zimbabwean–South African rapper and songwriter whose work cuts across trap, rap, dancehall, gqom, and alte. Signed to RCA Records, she has built a diverse catalog, including the single “Uthando,” alongside collaborations that reflect her pan-African and global reach.
Born in South Africa to a South African father and Zimbabwean mother, she later adopted her mother’s surname at 16. Her early exposure to Kenyan rapper Nazizi, whom she met while living in Kenya, influenced her decision to pursue rap. Nakai attended Fourways High School before completing her education in Kenya and later earned a degree in marketing, communication, and media studies from Monash University, Johannesburg.
She gained early recognition after winning the Mixtape 101 competition on Shiz Niz, becoming its first female winner. Her debut single “Like Me” (2013) established her presence, followed by notable releases including “Saka Wena” with Ice Prince and the Bragga EP (2016). Her single “Naaa Meaan” further elevated her profile.
In 2019, she achieved a major milestone, winning Best Female Artist at AFRIMA, Best Female at the South African Hip Hop Awards, and Best Female Artist in Southern Africa at the All Africa Music Awards. She continued this momentum with a 2020 AFRIMA win for Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop and recognition as Most Stylish Performing Artist at the SA Style Awards. Subsequent nominations include Artist of the Decade (2021) and Best International Flow at the BET Hip Hop Awards (2022).
Her collaborators include Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick, Kwesta, Ice Prince, Ycee, Stefflon Don, Gemini Major, Tshego, and Khuli Chana, reflecting her cross-border appeal. Earlier, she received Music Artist of the Year at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards in 2016.
Beyond music, Nakai appeared on Netflix’s Young, Famous & African in 2022. She is also an entrepreneur and founder of the beauty brand Naked Without, extending her influence into fashion and lifestyle.
