She calls herself the rap queen and has the skills to prove it, we chat to Nadia about her start in the music industry. We find out just how she does it all – the day time job, her new Saka Wena track with Ice Prince and everything else she is up to.
Who is Nadia?
Although I have a Zimbabwean heritage, I was born and raised in South Africa. Most of my life I was known as Nadia Dlamini, but when I was 16 I changed my surname to my mom’s. I attended high school in Fourways for a year, then relocated to Kenya to finish my studies. I fell in love with rapping there…
Who was Nadia before rapping?
Well, I started rapping pretty young. During my studies, I worked on my album scheduled for release this year. I completed a double major in Marketing, Communications & Media Studies and worked for an advertising agency for some work experience.
How did you start rapping?
In high school, my peers always told me I talk really fast! Then I met Nazizi – a female rapper in Kenya – killing it, and was inspired to rap. I guess I never stopped from then.
A lot of people have compared your style to Nick Minaj. Do you agree with their statement, or find you have a different look?
I don’t agree… I’m just being a woman and rapping hard! I am in love with femininity and just because I rap hard, doesn’t mean I should not embrace my sexuality and femininity. Women are so amazing and sexy! What’s the point of wasting being a woman by trying to act like the guys! When it comes to music, I used to get annoyed when people compare me to Nicki but now I embrace it. Nicki is an amazing artist! She is the best in her craft. She represents women in hip hop so well and if people feel I am doing the same thing in our South African market, then I’m okay with that comparison.
Tell us about your music.?
My music is me expressing myself. I talk about what’s on my mind, I have realised that some things I say may offend some people, but everyone has a right to their own opinions of me.
Tell us about the album you are working on?
My album has been in the works for the past three years! It has taken a long time for me to get to a point where I can say I’m close or ready to release it. I have always said I am the woman that’s going to change the game for the better, and my album is a game changer. I collaborated with Africa’s best, such as Kwesta, Reason, Ice Prince and L-Tido. There are a few people I still want to work with, but the album is not about the collaborations; it’s about my skill and giving my fans a body of work they can enjoy.
What should we expect from you this year?
I am working on a South African tour first, then an African one… And of course the album is the bigger part of the picture.
Tell us about your new song Saka Wena with Ice Prince. How did this come about?
Well, I was working on a new song and I wanted to work with Ice Prince so bad! I would send him messages on social media with no reply! (Laughs. Then I got in contact with his South African representatives and sent them the song asking if he would jump in, but he was busy and didn’t reply. I then decided to release the song on my own, but then I performed at the Channel O music video awards last year and met Made Men Music group CEO Ubi Franklin who works closely with Ice Prince. I expressed my desire to have Ice on my song, and two weeks later I got an email with his verse on it! I almost had a heart attack! I later got an email from Ice Prince expressing how much he loved the song, I couldn’t contain my excitement!
Speaking of Ice Prince, how do you feel about the collaboration?
I’m proud of the song and collaboration! I’m inspired that my music and skill has been recognised by a great artist like Ice Prince. My main goal is putting women in hip hop on the map! I think I’m doing a good job so far.
Any more international features we should expect?
Yes, you will see a lot more as my album will be for Africa; and not just for South Africa.
Which African female rapper do you think would make a great track with you?
Definitely Nazizi from Kenya, Eva Alordiah from Nigeria, Stella Mwangi from Kenya and Cleo Ice Queen from Zambia. That’s a hint by the way… (Laughs, then wink).
The music industry can be a challenge no matter what genre or gender? What are some of your challenges and how do you overcome them?
Hmm… Yes, there is a lot! Women in the industry do not support each other, when we should. Secondly, sometimes people don’t take us seriously; however, I feel like this year they are changing their minds about female rappers.
SA hip hop is taking the vernacular style (Skanda and Motswako) to another level, will you be joining this?
I am not Skanda or Motswako, and I will never try pretending to be something I am not. I am a musician and I like experimenting with new sounds. I will have a song on that vibe, but it won’t be my whole new sound going forward.
If you were to rap in any other language what language would that be?
Xhosa and Shona
You have a daytime job…Please tell us more about that?
I’m a voice-over artist as-well as a social media web influence, which allows me to meet and work with a lot of clients such as Redd’s and Virgin Mobile. I can’t really say which I like more because if I wasn’t a musician, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do – they are very integrated. Companies need influential people on their brands to give appropriate insights on their markets via social media. I wouldn’t be able to do that if I wasn’t who I am (Nadia Nakai the female rapper with a South African urban following).
Is it important to have a back-up as a musician? If so, what’s yours?
Yes, I would say it is. The industry is very volatile and nothing is certain. You can be hot today and not so tomorrow. I have a degree and that will definitely be my back-up plan. I am also starting my own company, however I can’t disclose the details now.
What do you do in your personal life?
I spend a lot of time with friends and family! I love being with loved ones.
You are the rap queen with the booty. How do you make sure you physically look presentable and healthy?
I have a personal trainer, but when it comes to eating, I really love my chicken wings! (Laughs)
Where can fans get more details about their rap queen?
My new website will be up and running very soon, so watch out for it www.nadianakai.com or social media
Facebook: Nadia Nakai
Twitter: Nadia_Nakai
Instagram: Nadianakai
Have a listen to Nadia and Ice Prince’s SAKA below
