Nanette is thrilled to join Mariah The Scientist at Cape Town's inaugural 'WAV Festival'

A brand new music festival is set to make waves in Cape Town, and R&B singer Nanette is over the moon after being revealed as a performer at the upcoming “WAV” music festival presented by Afro Nation.

The new R&B and soul festival announced its star-studded line-up on Instagram on October 22, revealing American singer Mariah The Scientist as the headliner for its debut edition in Cape Town.

Joining her on stage will be Nanette, Shekhinah, Manana, Kujenga and others, with more acts still to be announced.

Taking to her social media, the “Amalanga” singer could not contain her excitement as she shared the news with her followers.

“Hey guys, so I’m doing WAV Fest next year ?!!!!!! 😭😭😭🥰😝💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽 performing on the stage alongside the best in R&B rn!!!!! Purrrrrrrrr #NanetteTOTHEWORLD,” she wrote.

In a follow-up post, the “Abazali” hitmaker reflected on her journey, writing: “Every door they’ve tried to shut, my God, my ancestors and my team will always bust it open, or just build a new door 😂🙏🏼 but my success will not be gatekept and my name will be written in the history books amongst the greats ❤️.”

Set to debut in Cape Town on January 2, 2026, “WAV Festival” is described as a celebration and the reimagination of R&B, soul, and alternative music, spotlighting both African and international voices shaping the sound of tomorrow. 

The event will be curated in collaboration with the creators of Afro Nation and Africa Creative Agency (ACA), blending music, culture and fashion in the mother city.

The festival arrives at a time when Cape Town continues to grow as a global hub for music and culture. “WAV” aims to elevate that energy by offering a space that unites R&B lovers and artists through shared sounds and stories.

Alongside Mariah The Scientist’s first-ever South African performance, acts like Kelvin Momo will bring a mix of Amapiano and soulful sounds to the stage.

This moment adds another milestone to what’s already been a standout year for Nanette. The singer recently released her new album, “Painfully Happy”, where she explored themes of love, grief, joy, acceptance, growth as well as womanhood.

In an interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, she reflected on her growth as an artist, crediting confidence and experience for shaping her sound. 

She described her latest single, “Abazali”, as a heartfelt nod to her upbringing and to the sacrifices parents make for their children, saying it’s a song meant to make South Africans feel nostalgic.