VOW 88.1 AREA CODE

IN CONVERSATION WITH NANETTE

Loading player...
“Abazali is centred around celebrating the parents who raised me. I wanted to make a song my mom and dad would feel was made for their generation. The Soweto funk and jazz sounds of the 1980s are very dear to me. This is my love letter to South Africa—its elders, its children, and the culture that raised me,” says Nanette.
Born in Durban, Nanette has steadily carved out her place in global R&B. Her 2022 debut Bad Weather earned her a SAMA nomination and charted in Apple Music’s Top 10 across Africa, while collaborations with amapiano heavyweight Kelvin Momo and rap star Nasty C further showcased her range. With her upcoming EP Painfully Happy, she promises a journey through nostalgia, emotional storytelling, and her signature blend of R&B and South African sounds.
Fans can now pre-add Painfully Happy ahead of its release and request Abazali from their favourite radio stations.
Connect with Nanette:
• TikTok: @officialnanette
• Instagram: @officiallynanette
X (Twitter): @officialnanette South African R&B singer-songwriter Nanette unveils her new single Abazali, the second release from her forthcoming project Painfully Happy, out worldwide on 29 August 2025. Following the fierce, cinematic energy of her Harley Quinn-inspired track I’m Not Psycho, Nanette shifts gears with Abazali, delivering a tender celebration of family, heritage, and home.
Where I’m Not Psycho leaned into defiance and emotional intensity, Abazali offers warmth and gratitude. Infused with the grooves of 1980s Soweto funk and jazz, the track pays homage to South Africa’s elders while staying rooted in contemporary Afropop and R&B textures. Sung in her home language, the song reflects Nanette’s desire to create something her parents’ generation could embrace while still speaking to today’s listeners.
•
• YouTube: @nanetteofficial
22 Aug English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

Other recent episodes

IN CONVERSATION WITH TEBOGO MASHIFANA (PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA)

This women’s month we continue to celebrate and honour South African Women in Science Awards are taking place, celebrating excellence and innovation among the country’s top female scientists and researchers. The event not only honours their groundbreaking work but also aims to inspire the next generation of young women to…
22 Aug 16 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH UNATHI GWIJA

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.
22 Aug 20 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHELL BEZUIDENHOUT (DIRECTOR FOR PCC AFRICA AT AECOM)

As Director for PCC Africa at AECOM, I have the privilege of leading our Cost Management business across the region. I work alongside an exceptional team of more than 50 quantity surveyors who are dedicated to delivering high-quality, value-driven solutions for our clients. My role is not only about strategic…
21 Aug 12 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH AYANDA KOTOBE

We are not all starting from the same place. Women have historically been left behind, so we need equity — intentional steps to level the playing field.” That includes tackling pay gaps and redesigning recruitment systems. “Equal pay for equal roles should be non-negotiable, and hiring practices must move away…
21 Aug 14 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH SYDNEY VUKEYA

In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a notable surge in interest towards renewable energy solutions, particularly in the realm of solar power. This shift is largely driven by the escalating challenges posed by power shortages and the increasing demand for sustainable energy alternatives. Among the contributors to this evolving…
21 Aug 15 min
All episodes