Nanette’s ‘The Waiting Room’, A Bold New Era in South African R&B

Emerging from the vibrant city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Nanette Mbili—simply known as Nanette—has quickly carved a space for herself as one of South Africa’s most captivating singer-songwriters. From her roots filled with iconic music influences to becoming a rising force in her country’s modern R&B scene, Nanette’s journey is a testament to her raw talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Though she graduated high school in 2020, Nanette’s passion for music had been deeply seeded long before that. While pursuing a law, she set her sights on a successful path in music, determined to create a space where she could express herself and connect with others on a deeply personal level. Her musical journey was significantly shaped by her early exposure to powerful voices such as Whitney Houston, Brandy, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé. These influences have played an integral role in Nanette’s ability to merge cathartic storytelling with soulful melodies in her own work, making her sound uniquely her own.

Like many artists, Nanette’s creativity was fueled during the challenging times of South Africa’s lockdown. As the world slowed down, she quickly poured her emotions into writing and producing her own debut album, Bad Weather, which was released in 2022.

The album, executive produced by Lee Global, immediately captured the attention of listeners, debuting at an impressive number 10 on Africa’s Apple Music chart. Nanette’s deeply expressive R&B style—blending introspective lyrics with rich melodies—struck a chord with fans across the continent and even further. The album’s impact was further solidified by a prestigious nomination at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) in 2023 for Best R&B Album, a recognition that marked a major milestone in her career.

In addition to her success with Bad Weather, Nanette’s ability to seamlessly collaborate with other genres and artists has made her one of the most exciting musical talents to watch. Her partnership with Kelvin Momo, the amapiano producer known for his unique blend of deep house and amapiano, resulted in two massive hits: Imfula and Fool Me, both of which charted at number 1 on Spotify, YouTube Trending, and Apple Music. These tracks helped showcase Nanette’s versatility and further expanded her musical reach, connecting with audiences across different genres.

Nanette’s artistic evolution continued into 2023 when she teamed up with Durex for a special Valentine’s Day campaign. This collaboration involved a remix of her song One Night, adding another feather to her cap in the growing list of brands and artists she’s worked with. Her effortless ability to connect her personal experiences to universal themes of love, desire, and heartbreak has solidified her place as one of the leading voices in contemporary South African music.

2024 marked another defining year in Nanette’s career with the release of her highly anticipated sophomore LP, The Waiting Room. Building on the foundation laid by Bad Weather, the album further expands her musical range, blending elements of R&B, hip-hop, and amapiano. With collaborations featuring South African heavyweights like Blxckie, BGRZ, Nasty C, and Tellaman, The Waiting Room not only solidifies Nanette’s reputation as an innovative artist but also cements her as a trailblazer in the South African music industry.

Tracks like Talk 2 Me, featuring Blxckie and BGRZ, and Tonight, featuring Nasty C and Tellaman, have become standout moments on the album, showcasing Nanette’s ability to adapt and experiment with different sounds while still staying true to her authentic voice. The Waiting Room has captivated listeners with its powerful storytelling and boundary-pushing artistry, proving that Nanette’s journey is only just beginning.

As she continues to evolve and expand her artistic vision, Nanette’s unwavering commitment to her music and craft is undeniable. From an album that debuted at the top of the charts to collaborations with some of South Africa’s finest, Nanette is steadily making her mark on both local and international music scenes. With each release, she demonstrates not only her musical versatility but also her deep connection to the art of storytelling, making her one of the most exciting and innovative artists of her generation.

With a future full of endless possibilities, Nanette is undoubtedly poised to become a global force in the music world. Fans can expect more powerful music and unforgettable collaborations from this rising star who continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with her soulful, heartfelt sound. Keep an eye on Nanette—this is only the beginning

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