Nanette’s “Painfully Happy” Becomes Her Most Streamed Album To Date. South African R&B artist Nanette is marking a significant milestone in her career as her well-received album Painfully Happy surpasses 2 million streams across various digital platforms.
Nanette’s “Painfully Happy” Becomes Her Most Streamed Album To DateThe singer-songwriter, producer, and recording artist from Durban communicated this achievement to her fans on January 28, 2026, sharing an emotional message that stated, “Painfully Happy hitting 2milli streams. Love y’all 4 that, thanq! My most-streamed project!!! New music is coming soon 🥰💋🎶.” Many fans responded with support and congratulations, celebrating her journey.
Launched in late August 2025, Painfully Happy marks Nanette’s third significant work and her boldest artistic venture to date. This 12-track album weaves together elements of classic R&B, jazz influences, dance beats, reggae accents, and introspective Afropop, offering a sound that is both personal and universally appealing.
Tracks like the nostalgic “Abazali,” a heartfelt homage to family, cultural roots, and elders, coexist with vulnerable songs such as “Suddenly” and “I’m Not Psycho,” where she candidly explores themes of love, loss, personal growth, and self-discovery.
Audiences have commended the album for its emotional resonance and diverse musical qualities. Often viewed as a musical diary, the project builds naturally on her previous works, Bad Weather (2022) and The Waiting Room (2024), further solidifying Nanette’s reputation as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B within South Africa.
This 2 million streams achievement follows the earlier milestone of 1 million streams shortly after the album’s release. At that time, Nanette expressed gratitude to her devoted fanbase, affectionately called the “Nesties,” for their consistent support.
Notably, the album has gained traction through live performances, including intimate showcases like her Painfully Happy set at The Untitled Basement. Attendees and online viewers described the event as “therapy,” “bonkers,” and “a beautiful body of work.”
Born Sphesihle Nobethu Mbili Jolobe, Nanette draws from her diverse upbringing and personal experiences. Her collaborations with international producers like Andre Harris, known for his work with artists such as Kehlani and Jill Scott, signify her growing global presence while her storytelling remains rooted in her South African identity.
With her promise of forthcoming music, anticipation continues to build regarding her next steps. As Painfully Happy continues to resonate with listeners globally, Nanette’s narrative echoes the album’s core theme: that personal growth and healing often arise from the intersection of joy and pain.
