Nadia Nakai Takes a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence

South African rapper Nadia Nakai has announced that she is putting her music plans on hold in support of the nationwide G20 Women’s Shutdown, a movement aimed at drawing urgent attention to the country’s ongoing gender-based violence (GBV) crisis. Scheduled for Friday, the shutdown calls on women and girls across South Africa to halt all work for 15 minutes at midday and turn their social media profile pictures purple as a visual symbol of solidarity.

The G20 Women’s Shutdown, driven by the advocacy organization Women for Change, has quickly gained momentum as one of the strongest social awareness efforts of the year. The movement seeks to honor the countless women who are killed or harmed in South Africa each day and to demand that GBV be formally recognized and treated as a national disaster. Recognized as one of the most outspoken female artists in the South African music industry, Nadia Nakai made it clear that she is committed to using her voice and platform to fuel this cause.

In a statement shared on her social media timeline, Nadia Nakai confirmed that her highly anticipated single Really, featuring superstar rapper Nasty C, will no longer be released on its original date. The drop was scheduled for November 21, a date chosen well in advance as part of her release strategy. But Nadia explained that having her music go live on the same day as a national moment of pause and mourning felt inappropriate.

“I was supposed to drop a new song, Really, featuring Nasty C, on the 21st. This date was chosen a few months ago, but I’m going to move my release date for obvious reasons,” she said.

Her decision did not come from a place of marketing strategy or convenience. Instead, she emphasized that it was rooted in her values and the principles she stands for, especially as a woman living in South Africa, where the impact of gender-based violence is deeply personal for many.

Nadia Nakai Joins the G20 Women’s Shutdown

In her message, Nadia Nakai urged her followers to pay attention to what she has been sharing on her profile, pointing out that her purple profile picture reflects her participation in the shutdown and her support for the movement. She explained that the intention behind the shutdown is not merely symbolic—it is a unified act of resistance meant to disrupt normal routines and draw attention to the severity of the GBV crisis.

“If you don’t know, just check my profile picture and what I stand for. We as women are not working on Friday,” she said firmly. To reinforce her commitment, Nadia announced that she has also cancelled all her gigs scheduled for Friday. “Enough is enough,” she added, echoing the sentiment of millions of South African women who are tired of living in fear and pleading for meaningful systemic change.

Gender-based violence in South Africa has reached catastrophic levels, with women disproportionately facing abuse, assault, and murder. Women for Change and other activist groups have long warned that the crisis requires more than statements—it demands concrete action from both the public and the government. The G20 Women’s Shutdown is designed to create a nationwide moment of disruption, forcing institutions, workplaces, and leaders to acknowledge that the country cannot function normally while women are losing their lives daily.

By participating, public figures like Nadia Nakai help elevate the visibility of the movement. Her decision to postpone a major release—especially one featuring an artist as prominent as Nasty C—demonstrates the seriousness with which she takes the cause. It also sends a powerful message to fans, encouraging them to pause and reflect on the urgent need for collective action.

Although Nadia’s fans will need to wait a few extra days to hear her new single, she confirmed that Really will now be released on November 28. She assured her supporters that the delay is necessary and aligns with her values. Many fans have expressed admiration for her stance and applauded her willingness to place social issues above personal gain.

Nadia Nakai’s actions reinforce the idea that artists hold influence far beyond the stage. By choosing solidarity over self-promotion, she has positioned herself not only as a respected musician but also as a powerful advocate for women’s rights and safety in South Africa.

The decision by Nadia Nakai to put her music career momentarily on pause highlights the gravity of the G20 Women’s Shutdown and the broader movement against gender-based violence. Her voice adds momentum to the national call for justice, safety, and recognition of GBV as a true emergency. Through her actions, she reminds South Africans that when public figures use their platforms with intention, they can help amplify the voices of those who need to be heard most.

Source- Fakaza