Take “Tonight,” a commercial R&B confection that captures the essence of backyard parties and Golf GTIs with boosted systems – cultural touchstones of her hood upbringing that rarely find such precise musical articulation. Meanwhile, “Tonight’s” urban contemporary “Talk To Me” complements the smash hit in dominating radio waves by exploring stylistic territories largely uncharted in South African R&B, creating a new template for local expression.
Beyond the booth, Mbili embodies the modern artist-entrepreneur archetype. Her pivot from law school dropout to industry savant reveals an understanding that artistry in the streaming age requires more than just sonic innovation – it demands business acumen. She’s built a framework where creative control and commercial success aren’t mutually exclusive but complementary forces in her ascent.
On the cusp of concluding “The Waiting Room” era, Nanette launches 2025 with a surreal and introspective single, “Bad.” The track weaves a haunting narrative of vulnerability and suspense, exploring an intimate connection with a woman who seems to embody a modern-day descendant of Hades. Through succulent poetry and foreboding attraction, Nanette blurs the boundaries between friendship and romantic desire, delving into a profound sense of affliction. She provocatively questions her own descent into passion, spawning an uncertainty of whether she’s narrating an external encounter or revealing a fragmented self-portrait. In an online era obsessed with unmasking every hidden truth, “Bad” stands as a tantalizing enigma, inviting interpretation while deliberately obscuring its definitive meaning.
What emerges in conversation with Mbili is a portrait of an artist operating at the intersection of tradition and innovation, where indigenous language meets global sound and where genre constraints dissolve in favour of pure expression. Her story etches beyond breaking boundaries; it entirely redraws the map of artist-entrepreneurial nuance.
For the benefit of our readers, please share with us how you got into music and how growing up in Sydenham shaped the musician you are?
Nanette: “I started singing in church when I was about 8 years old. From singing casually, I became more intentional about my craft when I entered theatre in high school. That’s where I truly discovered my love for music and singing and the idea to pursue music professionally. Developing ideas and themes felt organic when it came to songwriting because I’d been honing my writing skills since I was 10. I had a wealth of experiences I wanted to share through my music.
My professional journey began in 2020 when I moved to Johannesburg to study law at Wits University while balancing my music career. In 2021, I signed with Universal Music, and the following year, I released my debut album, “Bad Weather.” A significant breakthrough came when I collaborated with Kelvin Momo on two songs: “Fool Me” and “Imvula.” “Fool Me” became an international sensation, getting airplay on Drake’s OVO Radio while simultaneously getting a co-sign from Black Coffee, which gave me tremendous exposure.
2023 was a landmark year for me. I received my first SAMA and Metro FM Award nominations and performed at the SAMAs – definitely a career highlight. I then took a significant step by launching my own label, “MBJ Entertainment,” and released my independent EP “, The Waiting Room,” which surpassed a million plays. Another memorable moment was performing my second sold-out one-woman show at Untitled Basement, with support from Nasty C and Tellaman. In August, I was featured in Apple Music’s “Alpha Playlist” for Women’s Month alongside notable artists like Uncle Waffles, Elaine, and Nomfundo Moh. It’s been a hard work, patience, and dedication journey, but I’m steadily moving toward my goals.”
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