The quintessential Queen of Cool Nadia Nakai is making her mark on Netflix’s new reality show Young, Famous & African (YFA).
As one of SA’s hottest rappers and musical artists, Nadia Nakai leads a colourful life. We know her for her hit singles, television appearances, jaw-dropping fashion choices and successful career ventures – and now, as a breakout reality TV star.
The ‘Kreatures’ rapper joins an all-star cast, hailing from South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, on Netflix’s first-ever Pan-African reality show Young, Famous & African (YFA). The series follows a veritable who’s who of music, media, fashion, and Instagram, including Khanyi Mbau, Diamond Platnumz, 2Baba and Kayleigh Schwark, as they navigate love, feuds, friendship and their careers.
It portrays a glamourous, vibrant and robust African continent in stark contrast to stereotypical images of Africa the global audience usually sees.
Nadia’s appearance on the show makes perfect sense. She embodies the rich talent and charisma the series aims to showcase. “Being part of this show is very exciting!” she says. “I’ve always wanted to be a Pan-African artist, and the fact YFA was released globally is inspiring.”
When approached to be a part of the show, Nadia says she jumped at the opportunity. “Netflix is a huge platform a global audience watches. I’d have been insane to turn it down.”
Now, she revels in an opportunity that’s catapulted her presence to global heights. Whilst she expected to find it difficult having cameras follow her around each day, she eventually didn’t even notice they were there. However, she says her biggest struggle whilst filming was allowing herself to be vulnerable.
“I think any artist would’ve had reservations about showcasing or allowing viewers into their personal life, thoughts and issues without knowing how they would receive them.
“I’m the sort of person who doesn’t find it easy to be open about what I’m going through and what’s sitting heavy on my heart. So, broadcasting my life in over 100 countries was nerve-wracking and scary,” she adds.
Despite that, she says her experience being on the show was interesting, and navigating relationships with her castmates was a learning curve. “I got along fairly well with most of the cast members, with some exceptions,” she reveals. “You’ll have to watch the show to find out exactly what I’m talking about.”
For Nadia, YFA marks the next phase of her career. “Music will always be the most important thing in my career, but I’m exploring different interests,” she says. “I want to get involved in jewellery, shapewear, possibly a haircare line or owning a salon. And I think I’ve reached the stage in my life where I want to focus on a project that’s solely mine.”
As a multi-talented and multi-faceted force, Nadia reflects the most significant takeaway she gained from the show. “What I learnt from this experience is something I knew all along,” she says. “And that’s how inspirational African people are, especially in our numerous industries. We’re talented, motivational, inspiring, headstrong, dramatic and monumental.”
Catch Nadia Nakai on Young, Famous & African now streaming on netflix.com, with new episodes dropping every Friday.
