Nadia Nakai has delayed the release of her highly anticipated single REALLY, which features fellow artist Nasty C. The song was originally scheduled to drop on Friday, 21 November, but Nakai has decided to push it back by a week to show support for the G20 Women’s Shutdown.
The G20 Women’s Shutdown is a nationwide protest planned for 21 November, calling on women and members of the LGBTQI+ community across the country to step away from paid and unpaid work for the day. It also urges participants to pause economic activity and engage in a symbolic act of protest to highlight the daily violence faced by women in South Africa.
Nakai first explained that the date had been planned well in advance, saying, “I was supposed to drop my new song ‘REALLY’ FEATURING Nasty C on the 21st of November, this date was chosen a couple months ago…” Her announcement made it clear that although preparations were already in motion, the current moment called for a shift.
She went on to clarify her reasoning, adding, “…but I’m going to move my release date for obvious reasons, if you don’t know, check my profile picture and what I stand for…” The comment pointed directly to her public show of solidarity, with her profile image symbolising support for the shutdown.
Reinforcing the movement’s call for a day without women’s labour, she said, “…we as women are not working on Friday so the song will be released on the 28th of November now, quarter to December, watch out for that…” The new release date pushes the song one week forward while keeping it strategically close to year-end.
Nakai closed her message by highlighting the seriousness of her stance, stating, “…I also cancelled my gigs on Friday, enough is enough.” Her decision to step back from both music promotion and scheduled performances aligns directly with the shutdown’s purpose: to draw national focus to gender-based violence and the need for urgent action.
Her decision has resonated across the music industry because it is not just a promotional shift but a deliberate act of solidarity. By aligning her release with a protest that demands urgent action on gender-based violence, she is using her platform to amplify a national cause.
The new release date of 28 November now carries added significance, reinforcing her message of resistance and solidarity. The full story behind her decision, and what the song itself represents, is compelling. Fans will be watching closely when REALLY finally arrives.
