Nanette to join Ella Mai on stage at Cape Town’s Grand Arena this April

Nanette,(full name Sphesihle Nobethu Mbili Jolobe) the Durban-born R&B singer from Kwa‑Zulu‑Natal, will join Ella Mai for a live show at the Grand Arena in Cape Town on April 26, marking one of the biggest performances of her career so far.

After moving to Johannesburg straight out of high school, she ditched her law books for the studio, and it’s been steady climb ever since.

The booking places the emerging R&B artist on a large-scale platform, introducing her to a wider audience beyond the intimate spaces where her music has largely gained traction.

Her music has lived in introspective spaces, the kind that reward listeners who pay attention. Now she’s taking that same energy into a venue that demands presence.

The challenge isn’t becoming louder, it’s staying clear and cutting through without losing what makes her distinct.

Her spot alongside Ella Mai signals that she belongs in this kind of space, confident, clear and uncompromising. Her debut album, "Bad Weather," landed at No. 10 on Apple Music Africa and even snagged a SAMA nomination, proving she wasn’t just another voice in the room.

Speaking on the opportunity in statement, Nanette described the show as “another step in the right direction”, adding that her career is “only ever elevating” as she continues to grow at her own pace.

Her 2025 album, "Painfully Happy," is now her most-streamed project, blending vintage R&B, soul and even touches of Afro-pop, giving her the kind of range that keeps listeners coming back.

The performance also presents a shift in scale. While her recordings are typically built around introspection and subtle delivery, the Grand Arena setting will test how that translates in a live environment designed for larger audiences.

Nanette maintains that performance remains central to her work, positioning the stage as an extension of her music rather than a separate element.

The Cape Town audience, often regarded as attentive and responsive to live music, adds another layer to the performance dynamic.

Nanette noted that she is interested in seeing which songs resonate most with the crowd, indicating an openness to audience engagement rather than a fixed set expectation.

This moment also lands while her latest single, "Baggage," is defining her current headspace. Produced by Andre Harris, the track leans into a stripped-back, vintage R&B feel, where tone and delivery do the heavy lifting. It’s a reflection of where she is mentally: self-assured, grounded, and clear.