Rapper Nadia Nakai postpones single release in solidarity with GBV protest

Rapper and entrepreneur Nadia Nakai has delayed the release of her new collaboration with Nasty C, which was originally set for November 21, as a show of support for the nationwide protest against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). 

She took to Instagram to reveal that the single, “Really?!”, will now drop on Friday, November 28.

Nakai explained her decision, saying the original release date fell on a crucial day for women across the country.

She also cancelled her gigs for the day, emphasising, “Enough is enough.” 

“The date was chosen months ago, but I’m going to move the release date for obvious reasons. If you don’t know, just check my profile picture and what I stand for. We as women are not working on Friday, so the new date is the 28th, quarter to December,” she said. 

The rapper has been actively showing solidarity with survivors, including switching her profile picture to purple in support of the campaign.

The nationwide movement, organised by Women For Change, is calling on women to halt work and daily activities on November 21, highlighting the scale of GBV and femicide in South Africa. 

The campaign has gained remarkable traction online, with citizens and celebrities such as DJ Zinhle, Blxckie and J'Something changing their profile pictures to purple and sharing messages of support.

Founder Sabrina Walter described the movement as a turning point.

“Seeing thousands of women and allies turn their profile pictures purple, speak out and share their stories has been overwhelming. Together, we are creating a space for survivors to be heard,” she said. 

Women For Change has also launched a petition demanding that GBV be declared a national disaster, which has already surpassed one million signatures.

The statistics behind the movement are high. As per reports, between April 2023 and March 2024, 5,578 women and 1,656 children were killed, with femicide rising by nearly 34% from the previous year. 

Over 42,000 rape cases were reported during this period, though the organisation estimates that up to 95% of cases go unreported.

More celebrities such as Amanda Du Pont, Bonang Matheba, Tyla and Lerato Kganyago have joined the purple profile picture movement, using their platforms to create conversations and amplify the campaign and encourage others to act.

Singer J’Something explained how he was moved to support the cause after his wife highlighted the importance of raising awareness around women’s safety in South Africa.

The nationwide shutdown happening on Friday, November 21, has been planned just before the G20 Leaders’ Summit and aims to demonstrate the social and economic impact of women’s absence. 

The organisation plans to do so by encouraging women to refrain from all paid and unpaid work in all workplaces and not to spend money on the day.