Award-winning rapper Nadia Nakai is ready to share more of herself with her fans as she debuts her reality show Nadia Beyond Bragga this October on MTV. After over a year of negotiations, Nadia Nakai felt it was finally the right time to open up her world, as she is experiencing a “rebirth” in her life and career.
“I’m no longer associated with a male rapper, it’s not Cassper or Psyfo or whoever,” Nakai revealed in an interview with IOL. “There’s always been like a crutch of a bigger artist in front of me… I kind of used that as a security blanket, and I think this is the first time I am trusting my own opinions.”
Nakai is determined to take control of her career and her music. For the first time, she’s making decisions entirely on her own terms. “I really took the reins of my own career and my music,” she shared. “I thought it could be an inspirational story because I have been in the game for a very long time and people think you get ahead because you have light skin or you’re pretty, but it takes so much more than that.”
The show will give fans a glimpse into Nakai’s life, alongside her close friends, including socialite Bobby Blancho, rapper Tshego, and her manager Phindile Matroshy. Having her inner circle on the show was essential for Nakai, as she wanted to present the most authentic version of herself.
However, Nadia Beyond Bragga will also reveal some of her struggles, including imposter syndrome, especially when it comes to planning her own one-woman show. “I’m too scared to do it,” Nakai admitted. “I got intimidated by Zinhle’s ZeeNation show, and I’m like, I haven’t done enough to be able to do something so monumental.”
She also opens up about her hesitation to release new music, citing the pressure of people’s expectations. “Imposter syndrome again, I can’t drop my album because I haven’t had a hit since ‘Naaa Meaan,’” she confessed.
Despite these challenges, Nakai is determined to continue asserting her voice and making her own choices, even when others try to steer her in a different direction.
Nadia Beyond Bragga premieres on MTV Base on October 12, offering viewers an intimate look at the rapper’s personal and professional journey as she steps into her own spotlight.
