Nadia Nakai Celebrates Rise Of Women In Hip Hop: “We’re Unlocking Our Power”
Nadia Nakai Celebrates Rise Of Women in Hip Hop: “We’re Unlocking Our Power.” On a recent episode of Showtime Chops, Nadia Nakai reflected on the growing influence of women in African hip hop, especially in South Africa, calling it both inspiring and long overdue.
When asked about the current wave of female rappers taking up space in the game, Nadia Nakai admitted the shift feels refreshing compared to when she first started. “I think it’s exciting. I think back in the day when I started, there was a lot of segregation. There was a lot of weird vibes and energy that wasn’t conducive to the career,” she shared.
The rapper highlighted how the industry’s atmosphere has evolved into something more collaborative and empowering, giving credit to fellow artists like Nomuzi, Rouge, and Gigi Lamayne for breaking barriers together rather than competing. “Now that the girls… everybody is collaborating. We are realising our power, and I wish we knew that back then,” she said.
Nakai drew a powerful parallel between the historical suppression of Africa and the way women in hip hop have often been sidelined. “It’s like you know how they suppress Africa as a continent, making us feel like we are not adequate, we are not on the same level as the rest of the world. But essentially, they took resources from us, and they tried to alienate us. I feel like that’s what happened with women — they knew our power, and they just removed it, made us feel like we don’t have it, when all the power sat with us.”
Now, with more women claiming their space and voices in the industry, Nakai believes the movement has become part of a larger cultural awakening. “We’re unlocking that power, and I think it’s a global conversation, which is also amazing. So shout out to the girls.”
