Nanette (Nannette Sphesihle Nobethu Mbili) is a Durban-born singer-songwriter whose soulful R&B voice has made her one of South Africa’s most exciting rising stars. A 2022 South African Music Award nominee for Best R&B Album, her sound blends vulnerability, storytelling, and modern soul with a distinctly local influence.
Now, Nanette steps into a bold new chapter with the release of her highly anticipated album, Painfully Happy. Family and friends gathered at Neighbarhood in Randburg for a private listening session ahead of the release. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, with singer-songwriters Langa Mavuso and Nadia Nakai in attendance, along with actor and filmmaker Marcus Mabusela and all-round creative Trevor Stuurman.
The project dives into the contradictions of joy and struggle, with the lead single “Abazali” serving as a heartfelt tribute to parents and caregivers. Blending R&B textures, neo-soul, and a touch of South African flair, Painfully Happy explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and growth—capturing Nanette at her most personal and powerful yet. Through this project, she came to realize that life is never simply black and white; there are always grey areas. The album reflects how we don’t always get what we want; sometimes we get things that hurt us, things not meant for us, yet they shape and mould us as we live and learn. Those experiences, too, are part of the bigger picture—and within them, there are always glimpses of joy.
The album unfolds across 12 carefully crafted tracks, created in the moment and guided by feeling. Songs like “Silent Killer” unpack toxic and violent relationships, showing how love isn’t always good for us.
As stunning as the album is, the listening session didn’t fully capture its magic. The vibe was great, but for such a powerful project, one might have expected Nanette to sing live, open up about her creative process, and share the stories behind each track. For a pre-release session, more focus on media could have elevated the moment. At times, the noise of people taking pictures and ordering drinks at the bar drowned out the intimacy the space could have offered. The aesthetic was perfect for connecting with the artist, but the chance to do so was missed.
Overall, Painfully Happy is a beautiful album—one I’ll keep for quiet Sundays or road trips with friends, windows down, singing along.
Report by Thaio Abraham Lekhanya
