In an interview on Metro FM on Monday evening, rapper Nadia Nakai spoke out about the harsh realities of being a female musician in South Africa.
Nadia Nakai is one of the most notable South African female rappers, thanks to her success with the single “Naaa Meeaan” released in 2017. She is also one of the two artists singed to Cassper Nyovest’s record label, Family Tree. Nakai has now spoken out about the struggles that come with trying to achieve recognition as a female South African musician. In an interview with Metro FM on Monday evening, Nakai expressed her opinions on how female musicians are side-lined by the industry.
Nakai shared a snippet of the interview on her Instagram page. She captioned the clip, “Would you believe me if I told you that when you Google search who the first rapper was to perform at Carnegie Hall…most of the results will tell you it’s Jay Z when in fact it was MC Lyte? According to Billboard, Vulture and publications all around the world, the best verse on that entire Black Panther album was written by a South African – more specifically @yugenblakrok verse and a lot of people has never even heard of her back home!” She then elaborated by saying, “She needs to be celebrated!!! For her accomplishments, along with so many other women doing great things like Babes and Sho Madjozi!!! I hope you caught my whole interview today!!!! Was very passionate! ‼️‼️❤️🙌🏾🙌🏾 #Womandla #hiphopherstory.”
Nakai’s fans have since shared their thanks for her inspirational words. One follower wrote, “@Nadia_nakai big up on the @METROFMSA interview today!! Real questions about women IN hip hop… how we are portrayed & perceived! Hopefully because it’s women’s month these issues will be taken seriously 🤷🏾♀️ #HipHopHerStory.”
