Nanette’s Painfully Happy (Deluxe) Marks a Powerful New Chapter for South African R&B
South African contemporary R&B artist Nanette is no longer singing from a place of survival. With the release of Painfully Happy (Deluxe), she delivers a deeply personal yet ambitious body of work that transforms heartbreak into hope while reinforcing her growing influence across the African music landscape.
The deluxe edition closes the chapter on a project that has resonated with listeners through its raw exploration of grief, healing and emotional resilience. At the same time, it opens the door to a brighter future, not only for Nanette’s own artistic journey but also for a new generation of African musicians embracing collaboration beyond national borders.
Expanding the original album with five new tracks, Painfully Happy (Deluxe) captures an artist who has found peace after pain. While the themes remain deeply intimate, the music carries a renewed sense of optimism, confidence and possibility.
The latest release follows the success of Baggage, produced by Grammy Award winner Andre Harris, and Ask For Nun. New additions include One Life, an uplifting reminder to embrace the present, Little Light, an emotional tribute to Nanette’s late aunt who inspired the album’s title, and Taking Me Places, the project’s lead focus track celebrating personal growth, faith and new beginnings.
Together, the songs reshape Painfully Happy from an album centred on surviving emotional wounds into one that embraces healing and the promise of what comes next.
“I’ve come to understand grief in a much deeper way. It no longer cripples me like it once did,” Nanette said.
“These new songs reflect that growth. They’re lighter, more hopeful, and about letting go of the pain, embracing healing, and looking forward to building a better life for myself. It feels like the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.”
The emotional evolution of the album reaches its defining moment with Taking Me Places, a collaboration that highlights the growing creative relationship between South Africa and Nigeria.
Written during a songwriting camp at Mavin Studios in Lagos, the song brings together Nanette, acclaimed Nigerian songwriter Mbryo, and South African producers MashBeatz and Christer. The result is a seamless blend of contemporary R&B infused with musical influences from both countries, reflecting the increasing cultural exchange shaping Africa’s modern sound.
For Mbryo, the collaboration felt special from the very beginning.
“Working with Nanette was such a beautiful experience. It felt seamless, like two inseparable friends creating art without borders or restraint,” he said.
“The moment we wrapped that session, we knew we had something special. I’m beyond excited and can’t wait to share this record with the world.”
That confidence was quickly validated.
Less than 24 hours after completing the track, Nanette and Mbryo performed Taking Me Places before a packed audience at Obi’s House in Lagos. The response was immediate and overwhelming, with the crowd embracing the song long before its official release.
Momentum continued online after a teaser from the performance attracted more than 100,000 views on TikTok, offering an early indication that the song was already connecting with audiences across the continent.
Beyond the new material, Painfully Happy (Deluxe) remains true to the emotional honesty that has become Nanette’s signature. Her distinctive blend of contemporary R&B, soul, hip hop and subtle African influences remains intact, but now carries a noticeably brighter tone that reflects both personal growth and artistic confidence.
The additional tracks complete a project that charts an emotional journey from uncertainty and loss to self acceptance and renewed purpose. It is this vulnerability, paired with polished songwriting, that continues to distinguish Nanette in an increasingly competitive music landscape.
Over the past few years, Nanette has steadily established herself as one of South Africa’s most compelling contemporary R&B voices.
From her self written debut album Bad Weather, which also marked the beginning of her journey as a producer, to collaborations with Kelvin Momo, Blxckie, Nasty C and Tellaman, she has consistently expanded her creative reach. Recognition through Apple Music’s ALPHA programme and Spotify’s Ones to Watch, alongside performances with international artists including Mariah The Scientist and Ella Mai, has further strengthened her reputation as one of Africa’s rising musical talents.
With Painfully Happy (Deluxe), Nanette does more than conclude an album. She reinforces her place among the artists redefining African R&B through authenticity, fearless storytelling and meaningful collaboration.
As the project reaches audiences across Africa and beyond, it also reflects a broader shift taking place within the continent’s music industry. Increasingly, African artists are looking beyond geographical boundaries to create music that is richer, more diverse and globally resonant.
For Nanette, Taking Me Places is more than the title of a single. It is a statement of intent.
By closing one deeply personal chapter, she has positioned herself at the forefront of another, helping shape a future where African R&B is defined not by borders, but by bold creative partnerships and stories that resonate far beyond them.
