South African R&B sensation Nanette is back with a double dose of sonic magic. Following the critical success of her 2024 breakout EP, The Waiting Room, the Durban-born singer-songwriter is ready to elevate her artistry even further with two new singles: Bad and Money Can’t Save Me. These tracks showcase Nanette’s versatility, blending confidence, allure, and introspection with her signature soulful sound.
A Tale of Two Stories: The Seduction of “Bad” and the Reflection of “Money Can’t Save Me”
“Bad” is a moody, cinematic R&B anthem drenched in desire and danger. The track envelops listeners in hypnotic rhythms and sultry melodies, mirroring the intoxicating energy of a woman who is both captivating and unpredictable. Nanette’s evocative vocal delivery intensifies the song’s internal conflict, making it the perfect soundtrack for midnight musings and dimly lit encounters.
“The inspiration behind ‘Bad’ was captivating, beautiful women,” Nanette explains. “I am in awe of all women and everything they’re able to accomplish while being such beautiful, sexy, mysterious beings. I think it’s really cool to see them in all their glory.“
On the other end of the spectrum, “Money Can’t Save Me” is a soulful, reggae-infused meditation on womanhood, faith, and the limits of material wealth. The track fuses warm, rhythmic grooves with introspective lyricism, exploring the burdens that money alone cannot alleviate. Nanette contrasts financial success with the deeper longing for love, peace, and divine guidance, delivering a powerful anthem for those seeking fulfillment beyond material possessions.
“Money Can’t Save Me was inspired by womanhood and the experience of being a woman in the 21st century,” she shares. “We all strive so hard to be successful, to have the perfect job, the perfect life, but all of this still isn’t enough to protect us from the hardships and expectations of being a woman.”
Nanette’s Rise to Stardom
Nanette Mbili, better known simply as Nanette, has been making waves in the South African music industry since her debut project Bad Weather in 2022. That album not only charted at number 10 on Africa’s Apple Music rankings but also earned her a coveted South African Music Award (SAMA) nomination for Best R&B Album in 2023.
Her rise continued with standout collaborations in the Amapiano scene, working with producer Kelvin Momo on hit tracks “Imfula” and “Fool Me,” both of which dominated streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube Trending, and Apple Music. But it was The Waiting Room, released in 2024, that truly cemented her place as a game-changer in contemporary R&B. Featuring high-profile collaborations with the likes of Blxckie, BGRZ, Nasty C, and Tellaman, the album showcased Nanette’s ability to blend R&B, hip-hop, and Amapiano into a seamless and innovative sound.
What’s Next for Nanette?
With a loyal and growing fanbase known as “The Nesties,” Nanette is just getting started. As she embarks on this next phase of her career, she promises more music, live performances, and exclusive content for her supporters.
“I’m so grateful for the love and support from The Nesties, and I can’t wait to share more of my journey with them this year. These two songs are just the beginning,” she says.
With “Bad” and “Money Can’t Save Me“, Nanette is not just solidifying her status as an R&B powerhouse, she’s setting the stage for an even bigger 2025. Fans and music lovers alike should stay tuned, because this rising star is only getting brighter.
Stream/Download “Bad” and “Money Can’t Save Me” here