As a committed Hip Hop follower, I have always seemed to measure “our” growth; content, new emcees, mainstream recognition, influence / impact, etc.
The sprouting of the South African rap industry has really cultivated me in deep anticipation of improved local support and a much wider audience. As we have also gathered that 2014 was a big year for local hip hop. But with that being noted, I still look forward to the appearance of more South African female rappers on mainstream media.
In connection with my interest, I was captivated by my chat with the beautiful and talented rapper, Nadia Nakai who is one of the few female rappers in South Africa to go mainstream.
Our conversation went something like this:
Amy: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Nadia: I was born Nadia Dlamini but when I was 16 I changed to my mother’s surname Nakai. I attended high school in Fourways for a year and then I relocated to Kenya. That’s where I finished my studies.
Amy: How did you manage to formally get into the industry?
Nadia: I actively got into the industry after I was introduced to Psyfo. I wanted to work with him but he was too busy then. Two years later he saw me win the Mixtape 101 competition on Shiz Niz and he contacted me. I then signed to Sid Records and the rest is history.
Amy: If you had to describe yourself in only one sentence, how would you describe yourself?
Nadia: I don’t like being told what to do… If you tell me not to do it, I most likely will.
Amy: When did you decide that you want to be a rapper?
Nadia: I started rapping in High School when I was still based in Kenya, people said I used to talk really fast, lol! Then I used to play around with this recording software called Garage band and record on beats I used to make. I was influenced a lot by a Female Rapper based in Kenya named Nazizi.
Amy: What inspired you?
Nadia: The fact that there’s not a lot of females in the industry, I want to change that.
Amy: What inspires your music / lyrical content?
Nadia: People in the studio with me, the artists I collab with, recently Kwesta did an amazing hook for me and that inspired my content for the verses… Producers inspire me, people around me inspire me constantly…
Amy: So far, what have been the perks of being in the spotlight?
Nadia: Reaching a wider audience
Amy: Do you think you can uplift the growth of female rappers in South Africa and how do you plan on grasping the art of longevity?
Nadia: I can do that by doing what I’m doing for my own career, I already see its inspiring a lot more female rappers coming into the industry and I think that’s dope.
Amy: Who do you think is your biggest competition in the rap game?
Nadia: AKA, Les, Reason, Kwesta… I want the same pie…
Amy: Who do you regard as your favourite female rapper?
Nadia: I always say this, I’m in love with Supa! She my role model! So gangsta and the first female rapper to be on the cover of Hype…
Amy: Are you beefing with anyone and what is your opinion on beef in the music industry?
Nadia: Not that I know of, however I am aware of people that might not like me… I haven’t given them reason to but I guess that’s how honeys in the game are when they see a girl doing well for herself.. Oh well!
Amy: You’ve got a new single out, please tell us about it?
Nadia: My new single is called Saka Wena ft Ice Prince from Nigeria I have been trying to feature Ice Prince on this song specifically along, since last year! Ice liked the song but he was travelling a lot and didn’t get back to me. When I thought it wasn’t going to happen I met Ubi Franklin who was the link! Ice loved the song and he freaken killed it! I appreciate him wanting to work with me it really was a goal which I accomplished! I have always said that I will be that South African female rapper that is going to change everything when it comes to Hiphop and ladies! And I did just that!
People don’t understand my plans…. This is only the beginning…Shout out to Ubi Franklin from Made Men Music for hooking up this Collab!
Amy: How do you manage to climb up the ladder in such a male dominated industry?
Nadia: I’m a hustler! This game is all about hustling…. Psyfo is also a great support. He knows how to handle business where sometimes im a bit impulsive. You always need that person that understands your vision but also makes sure the business is sorted and I am well taken after. I really appreciate the Sid Records team!
Amy: Your “Thicker than Minnie Dlamini” line resulted to a battle of flying opinions and got people “tweeting from ebusuku to emini”, was that the intention?
Nadia: That was the intention exactly!! It did exactly what I wanted it to do! People must keep tweeting about it…
Amy: What can we expect from you this year?
Nadia: I will be dropping my album this year, watch out for that! A Movie! *Hush*
Amy: Thank you for the chat. All the best with your music.
Nadia: I thank YOU!
Big ups to her for making major moves, I personally cannot wait for the album, I hope (young) ladies who are eager to join the industry can learn from her and stay encouraged.
By Amy Sibiya
@Amy_Sibiya