Nanette Reflects on Healing, Lagos Studio Sessions and New Chapter: “I Know What the Future Holds”

• Nanette spoke exclusively to Briefly News about the deluxe edition of her deeply personal album Painfully Happy and what closing that chapter means to her
• The rising South African artist revealed how her first trip to Nigeria shaped the creation of Taking Me Places at a songwriting camp in Lagos
• Nanette shared her vision for African R&B's global rise and what fans can expect as she expands her footprint internationally

Rising musical powerhouse Nanette has given Briefly News an exclusive glimpse into the woman behind the music, sitting down to reflect on her healing journey and where she is headed next.

Nanette on closing the Painfully Happy era

The deluxe edition of Painfully Happy, released on 23 July 2026, marks the end of what Nanette describes as her most personal project to date. While the original album was born out of grief and heartbreak, the new tracks carry a noticeably lighter energy that mirrors her own emotional transformation.

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"My personal journey of healing has led me to a place where I'm more grateful for life than I've ever been," she told Briefly News.

"I feel happy to finally close the 'Painfully Happy' chapter. I do believe that this album will change people's lives just as much as it's changed my own life."

On staying grounded amid the pressures of a growing career, Nanette was candid about what keeps her anchored:

"Moving from a place of gratitude and confidence helps me stay rooted in my purpose while going after the many things I want."

Nanette reflects on the making of Taking Me Places

One of the standout moments from this era was Taking Me Places, a song that came together during a songwriting camp in Nigeria alongside Nigerian songwriter Mbryo and South African producers MashBeatz and Christer. It was Nanette's first visit to Lagos, and she credits that energy with shaping the song's entire direction.

"The atmosphere in the studio while making TMP was just amazing. It was my first time in Nigeria, so the energy of experiencing the place for the first time definitely helped write the song," she explained. "I essentially sing about how this music career is taking me to places I never would've thought I'd see."

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The song began gaining traction even before its official release, after a TikTok teaser connected with listeners almost immediately. Rather than chasing viral moments, Nanette says her focus remains on crafting music with longevity:

"What I focus on is whether the song is of such good quality that it can outlive me."

What comes next for African R&B

Nanette also spoke to the broader conversation around African R&B's global rise, expressing belief that collaboration between South African and Nigerian artists is a natural creative fit. She explained:

"Both regions are so full of life and energy; whenever the two come together it's bound to be a vibe."

She added that continent-wide collaboration is necessary to push the full story of Africa to global audiences.

As for what is next, she sounds confident and clear-eyed.

"I know what the future holds more clearly than ever, and I believe I've finally found my sound and my tribe," Nanette said. "I can't wait to give the people more music and just continue to travel the world and explore different sounds and cultures."

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Prince Kaybee releases new music

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to veteran DJ and producer Prince Kaybee's latest single.

Serving as a potential build-up to Kaybee's upcoming project, the song was met with mostly positive reviews from fans and critics.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News