Nadia Nakai was born on May 18, 1990, in South Africa. She grew up as Nadia Dlamini but changed her surname to match her mother's when she was 16 years old. She attended high school in Fourways, South Africa, before later moving to Kenya.
Nadia Nakai's career in the music industry began when she won the Mixtape 101 competition on the ETV show Shiz Niz. Her talent caught the attention of many in the industry, and she released her first official single "Like Me" in 2013. However, it was in 2014 that she truly broke out after being featured on the remix of the Riky Rick song "Amantombazane."
Her unique style and undeniable talent quickly gained her a large following, and she continued to impress with her music. In 2019, she released her first original album titled Nadia Naked, which further solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the South African music scene.
Aside from her success in the music industry, Nadia Nakai has achieved recognition and accolades for her work. She served as a judge on the MC portion of the SABC1 hip-hop show Battle Stations and in 2016, she was awarded Music Artist of the Year at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards.
Despite her busy career, Nadia Nakai has also made time for personal relationships. She has previously dated South African DJ Dotcom, showcasing her ability to balance both her professional and personal life.
Throughout her career, Nadia Nakai has collaborated with some of the biggest names in South African hip-hop, including Kwesta and Ice Prince. These collaborations have helped her reach even greater heights in her musical journey.
As Nadia Nakai continues to make waves in the music industry, her unique sound and powerful presence cement her as a true icon in South African music. Her dedication to her craft and ability to connect with her audience have set her apart as a standout talent in the industry.