Nadia Nakai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nadia Nakai
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Photo on a preview of MTV Shuga Down South in 2019
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Nadia Nakai Dlamini |
| Born | 18 May 1990 South Africa |
| Origin | Johannesburg |
| Citizenship | |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2011–present |
| Partner(s) |
AKA
(died 2023) |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts |
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Nadia Nakai Kandava (born 18 May 1990), also known as Nadia Nakai, is a talented rapper and TV personality. She has both Zimbabwean and South African roots. Nadia is famous for her unique style and powerful music in the hip hop world.
Contents
About Nadia Nakai
Her Early Life and School
Nadia Nakai was born in South Africa. Her father is South African, and her mother is Zimbabwean. When Nadia was 16, her last name was changed to her mother's surname.
She went to Fourways High School in Johannesburg for one year. Then, she finished her schooling in Kenya. Later, Nadia studied marketing, communication, and media at Monash University in Johannesburg.
Starting Her Music Career (2013–2017)
Nadia Nakai first appeared on TV on the hip hop show Shiz Niz. She won the Mixtape 101 competition, becoming the first female to do so. In September 2013, she became well-known after releasing her first song, "Like Me."
The next year, she was featured on a remix of Riky Rick's song, Amantombazane. In June 2015, Nadia released her third song, "Saka Wena," with rapper Ice Prince. This followed her second song, "Whatever."
In August 2016, Nadia released "The Man" featuring Cassper Nyovest. This song was from her EP (Extended Play) called Bragga. Bragga was released on 15 September 2016. In November 2017, Nadia released "Naaa Meaan" with Cassper Nyovest. This song was very popular and topped radio charts in South Africa. On 4 November 2016, she hosted the red carpet for MTV Africa at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Nadia on TV (2021–Present)
In 2021, Nadia Nakai hosted the first season of Channel O's Gen-Z South Africa TV show. In June 2021, she started her own music label after leaving Family Tree Records. At the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards, Nadia was nominated for Artist of the Decade.
In 2022, Nadia appeared on the Netflix reality show Young, Famous & African.
Who Inspired Nadia
Nadia Nakai was inspired by a female Kenyan rapper named Nazizi. She met Nazizi while living in Kenya. Nadia shared that Nazizi encouraged her to start her rapping career.
Nadia's Personal Life
Nadia Nakai was in a relationship with the late South African rapper AKA.
Awards and Nominations
| Award | Year | Recipient(s) and nominee(s) | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe Achievers Awards | 2016 | Herself | Music Artist of the Year | Won | |
| Metro FM Music Awards | 2016 | Baddest (Remix) (with AKA, Fifi Cooper, Rouge & Gigi LaMayne) | Best Remix | Nominated | |
| Do I Like I Do (Remix) (with DJ Sliqe, Riky Rick, Reason, L-Tido, Kwesta & Flabba) | Nominated | ||||
| South African Music Awards | 2018 | Naa Meaan (feat. Cassper Nyovest) (Directed by Family Tree) | Music Video of the Year | Nominated | |
| South African Hip Hop Awards | 2019 | Herself | Best Female | Won | |
| 2020 | 40 Bars (featuring Emtee & DJ Capital) Directed by Kaykayribane | Best Video | Nominated | ||
| 2021 | Herself | Artist of the Decade | Nominated | ||
| All Africa Music Awards | 2019 | Herself | Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa | Won | |
| Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop | Won | ||||
| SA Style Awards | 2021 | Most Stylish Performing Artist | Won | ||
| Basadi in Music Awards | 2023 | Hip Hop Artist of the Year | Won |
Nadia Nakai's Music
Extended Play
| Title | Extended play details |
|---|---|
| Bragga |
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Singles
Songs as the Main Artist
| Title | Year | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification | |||
| "Like Me" | 2013 | ||
| "Whatever" (featuring DotCom and Psyfo) |
2014 | ||
| "Saka Wena" (featuring Ice Prince) |
2015 | ||
| "Money Back" | 2016 | ||
| "The Man" (featuring Cassper Nyovest) |
Bragga | ||
| "Don't Cut It" | |||
| "Sqwaa" (featuring Gemini Major and Tshego) |
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| "Naaa Meaan" (featuring Cassper Nyovest) |
2017 | ||
| "Money Calling" (with Frank Casino) |
2018 | ||
| "Imma Boss" | 2019 | ||
| "Kreatures" (featuring Kwesta & Sio) |
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| "40 Bars" (featuring Emtee & DJ Capital) |
2020 |
Songs Where Nadia Was Featured
| Title | Year | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification | |||
| "Amantombazane Remix" (Riky Rick featuring Okmalumkoolkat, Maggz, Kwesta, Ginger Breadman, Kid X, Nadia Nakai and DJ Dimplez) |
2014 | RiSA: Gold | |
| "Do Like I Do Remix" (DJ Sliqe featuring Riky Rick, L-Tido, Kwesta, Reason, Flabba and Nadia Nakai) |
2015 | Injayam, Vol. 1 | |
| "Sugar Free" (Tumi featuring Nadia Nakai) |
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| "Ragga Ragga" (Gemini Major featuring Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Riky Rick and Major League) |
2016 | ||
| "Savage" (DJ Milkshake featuring Da L.E.S,Maggz and Nadia Nakai) |
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| "Crazy" (Spectacular and DJ Naves featuring Floda, Nadia Nakai and DJ Tira) |
2017 | ||
| Isaga Lam (Miss Pru DJ featuring LaSauce, Gigi LaMayne, Nadia Nakai and Londie London) |
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| Uh Huh (Priddy Ugly featuring Nadia Nakai) |
2017 | ||
| Zonke
(Phantom Steeze featuring Sjava, AKA, Nadia Nakai,Robot Boii, Buzzi Lee and Mustbedubz) |
2022 |
