Life in the Fab Lane
Drum English|June 15, 2017

Rapper Nadia Nakai talks about her rise to hip-hop royalty – and why she’s had to block her mom on Instagram.

Shanaaz Prince
Life in the Fab Lane

SHE’S a hip-hop heavyweight described as Mzansi’s answer to Nicki Minaj – but just a few months ago she was still asking her mom’s permission to go out at night because she’s a well-brought up young woman who respects her elders.

Yet Nadia Nakai (27) has graduated into the big-girl world now and is fast making a name for herself with her wicked rhymes and A-list collaborations with the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Gemini Major and Riky Rick.

In an all-black ensemble, the Ragga Ragga singer – also known as Bragga – takes some time out of her hectic schedule to tell us how far she’s come.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

Nadia grew up in Eldorado Park and Joburg’s northern suburbs before her family moved to Kenya, where her mother worked in finance for Coca-Cola.

Studying drama at high school helped her tap into her artistic side and develop her love of music. “I started recording myself and I would give out my C Ds at school,” she recalls.

“People would say, ‘You know what, this school thing isn’t for you – music is for you and the arts are for you’, because I wasn’t really great at maths and all that other stuff.”

After high school, she returned to South Africa to study marketing, media and communications at Monash South Africa University in Joburg.

HER BIG BREAK

During her varsity years Nadia often spent time recording music and making mixtapes and music videos at a friend’s makeshift studio. “One day I shot a music video on my phone for my song Wildest Dreams and posted it on YouTube. I still had dreadlocks, I was standing in a corner – it was so stupid!”

Bu hikaye Drum English dergisinin June 15, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Drum English dergisinin June 15, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

DRUM ENGLISH DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 dak  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 dak  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 dak  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 dak  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 dak  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 dak  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 dak  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 dak  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 dak  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 dak  |
9 July 2020