After heartbreak, loss, and the relentless glare of the spotlight, Nadia Nakai is turning a new page. The award-winning rapper has declared she will never date another rapper—or anyone in the industry—again. She wants love to be private, sacred, and away from public scrutiny.
Her vow comes in the wake of the tragic loss of her late partner, AKA, who was fatally shot in 2023. Their open, public romance once filled headlines, but the joy was cut short, leaving Nadia to navigate grief under the weight of fame.
For Nadia, privacy is now a matter of healing. “I want a relationship away from cameras,” she says, signalling a shift toward protecting her heart and reclaiming peace.
Beyond love, Nadia continues to shine—breaking barriers in music, fashion, and TV. This is not just a story of heartbreak, but of strength, resilience, and the courage to rewrite her own narrative.
Nadia Nakai’s next chapter isn’t just about music—it’s about love in silence!
Who Is Nadia Nakai?
Nadia Nakai is a South African rapper, songwriter, and television personality known for her bold presence in the hip-hop scene. Born on May 18, 1990, in Johannesburg, she has both South African and Zimbabwean heritage.
After completing high school in Kenya, she pursued a degree in Marketing, Communication, and Media Studies at Monash University in Johannesburg.
Nakai’s music career began in 2013 when she won the Mixtape 101 competition on the e.tv hip-hop show Shiz Niz, making her the first female to win the competition.
She gained prominence with her debut single “Like Me” and continued to rise with collaborations such as “Saka Wena” featuring Ice Prince and “Naaa Meaan” with Cassper Nyovest.
In 2019, she released her debut album Nadia Naked under Family Tree Records, which featured artists like Cassper Nyovest, Khuli Chana, and Stefflon Don. The album’s success led to her signing with Def Jam Africa in 2020.
Beyond music, Nakai has expanded her career into television and fashion. She co-hosted the MTV Base hip-hop show Yo! MTV Raps South Africa and appeared on the Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African.
In 2021, she launched her own label, Bragga Records, after parting ways with Family Tree Records. She has also ventured into fashion, partnering with luxury clothing brands.
Nakai’s influence in the entertainment industry is marked by her resilience, versatility, and commitment to authenticity, making her a prominent figure in South African and African hip-hop culture.
Nadia Nakai’s Dating Life
High-profile relationships: Nadia has been linked to notable figures in the music industry, including AKA, Vic Mensa, Bandile Mbere, and Cassper Nyovest.
Relationship with AKA: Their romance began publicly in 2022, drawing significant media attention. It ended tragically when AKA was fatally shot in February 2023, deeply affecting Nadia.
Desire for privacy: Following AKA’s death, Nadia vowed never to date another rapper or anyone in the entertainment industry, expressing a wish for a private relationship away from the public eye.
Speculation about new romance: Nadia has hinted at close connections, such as a heartfelt birthday message to a man named Ryan, sparking speculation about her love life, but she has not confirmed any relationship.
Focus on healing: Nadia emphasizes emotional wellbeing and creating healthy boundaries for future relationships.
