South African artist Nanette has unveiled Painfully Happy, an album that offers an intimate and emotionally intense collection of songs, solidifying her status as a significant emerging talent in today’s music scene. This album signifies a pivotal chapter in her path—an artist embracing her true essence, strength, and vulnerabilities.
At its essence, Painfully Happy reveals a paradox that many can identify with: the subtle pain that rests beneath the fame, accolades, and external satisfaction. It encapsulates the coexistence of happiness and grief in a single moment—a musical embodiment of contemporary existence in all its intricacies.
“I feel like this project is a reflection of the state I’m in right now. And maybe that’s something many people can relate to,” Nanette explains. “Painfully Happy is a mix of extreme lows and really nice highs. It represents how ironic life can be. We can be going through non-stop success, achieving goals, making the dream work, but there might still be that void. Some people might still feel incomplete even after receiving everything they thought they wanted.”Throughout the album, Nanette skillfully navigates light and darkness with stunning poise. “I’m Not Psycho” pierces through with a cinematic boldness. “Abazali” serves as a heartfelt homage to her parents and elders who have influenced her journey. “Suddenly”, the central track, radiates uplifting energy and warm vocals. Together, these elements create an auditory landscape that is both firmly grounded in South African musical heritage and boldly universal in perspective.
The album functions like a personal journal while also evolving into a cinematic score, exploring themes of identity, femininity, ambition, belief, and the subtle skill of maintaining balance. Nanette’s strength resides not just in her vocal prowess but also in her candidness. Her lyrics deliver raw and introspective insights, complemented by a gentle yet assertive vocal style. She has developed a sound that fluidly incorporates R&B, Amapiano, and Afropop influences—while always remaining distinctly true to herself.
Since her debut with Bad Weather and reinforcing her presence with The Waiting Room, Nanette has established herself as one of South Africa’s most captivating young artists. Her collaborations with Kelvin Momo, Nasty C, Blxckie, and Tellaman have showcased her versatility—but Painfully Happy is the culmination of her journey, reflecting her unique artistry.
At each stage, Nanette has engaged closely with her supporters—affectionately referred to as The Nesties. Their backing has been more than just encouraging; it has been vital. From private listening events to everyday online exchanges, she has fostered an environment where vulnerability is embraced and connections thrive. This project is as much theirs as it is hers.
Leading up to the album’s launch, Nanette has taken the reins of the discussion this Women’s Month, delivering a memorable live show at Your Weekly Touch Up, featuring on the cover of Apple Music’s ALPHA, appearing on Spotify’s Fresh Finds cover, and spearheading various media features and takeovers.
Painfully Happy transcends the label of just an album—it signifies a moment of emergence. Nanette isn’t merely seeking recognition. She is asserting it with every track. With a sound that is both emotionally resonant and sonically broad, she is not just the future of music. She is the present.
