At just 23, Durban-born R&B singer Nanette Mbili has already made waves in the music industry with her soulful voice and authentic sound. Known for her album Bad Weather, Nanette credits her upbringing and cultural heritage as the foundation of who she is today. Raised by a Xhosa father and a Zulu mother, she believes her parents played a crucial role in shaping her identity.
“My languages played an integral part in my identity and made me aware of my strength,” Nanette shared in an interview with Daily Sun. She explained that her family’s support of her music career was unwavering, although they were clear on one thing—education comes first. “For them, it was important for me to have a backup plan in case music doesn’t work out,” she said.
Her love for R&B was nurtured early on by the music she grew up listening to. “That’s all I listened to growing up, and the community in which I lived celebrated R&B a lot. So, it was obvious that I’d choose it to be my core sound when I started music,” she explained.
Despite her rising fame, Nanette remains grounded, choosing to keep good people close to her. “I like to not focus on my career and the music life when I don’t have to. I think it’s very important to switch off the ‘star’ button. Keeping myself grounded and surrounding myself with people who don’t see me as just Nanette the artist, that keeps the pressure at bay a bit.”
Proud of her heritage, Nanette embraces her role as a black Xhosa woman in the creative world. “My music allows me to also pay homage to my upbringing and my heritage. Being a black Xhosa woman, I’m aware of my strength and the position I play in society. I’m also aware that it’s up to me as a creative to uphold my culture. I wouldn’t want to be anything but the Xhosa girl I am,” she declared.
Nanette’s advice for others is rooted in self-awareness and humility. “Never underestimate yourself. Always be willing to adjust your plan, and stay humble and respectful, for your own peace of mind if anything,” she said, closing with words of wisdom that reflect her grounded nature and determination to stay true to herself.
