Nadia Nakai Addresses Toss Romance Rumours & Joins Tropika Island of Treasure

Rapper Nadia Nakai is set to compete in the upcoming season of Tropika Island of Treasure, but before embarking on the reality game demonstrate, she’s addressed recent speculation surrounding her relationship with Amapiano artist Toss. Nakai confirmed to Sowetan that despite a recent Valentine’s Day video that sparked rumors, the two are not dating.

The twelfth season of Tropika Island of Treasure will feature a diverse cast alongside Nakai, including former Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane, actor Sandile Mahlangu of Inimba, Shaka Ilembe star Wiseman Mncube, media personality Amanda du-Pont, and Olympic champion Caster Semenya.

Nakai described her decision to join the show as a natural progression in her career, having accomplished much over the past decade in the music industry. “I’ve done a lot in the industry so far in the 10-plus years I’ve been here, and one thing I haven’t done is a reality game show of this kind,” she told Sowetan. “So, it was an easy ‘yes’ for me. I’m fully aware of what’s expected of me and having been a fan, I know I need to bring it.”

Despite her confidence, Nakai admitted to feeling apprehensive about the physical and mental challenges the show presents. “I don’t want to lie, I am scared, I’m panicking… it’s a game of strength, memory and agility, so I’m hoping to do my best.”

The Valentine’s Day video with Toss, which fueled relationship rumors, stemmed from a professional collaboration. Nakai explained that Toss asked her to appear as a video vixen in his new music video. “He just asked me to be his video vixen for his new song and I agreed,” she said. “When we were shooting the video, I could see how nervous and shy he was, so I kissed him to make him sense more comfortable and feel relaxed, and somehow those visuals blew up and went viral. People somehow drew their own perception on that Valentine’s video which isn’t anything there really.”

Nakai expressed gratitude for the attention the video received, noting that it allowed her to move forward publicly after a period of mourning following the death of her former partner, AKA. “I’m truly grateful that it went viral because it somehow freed me from the mourning period that people expected me to stay in. I needed that freedom of people finally seeing me with someone besides AKA. I’m ready to move on and I expect people to allow me to do that and explore another love story.”

The competition itself presents a formidable challenge, particularly with the inclusion of athletes like Caster Semenya. “Of course, are you kidding me?” Nakai responded when asked if she felt intimidated by her competitors. “We have Caster as a competitor. She’s a professional athlete, a whole world champion, and competing is what she does for a living, so that can easily intimidate anyone. Have you seen how much stamina she has? Gosh!”

Looking ahead to her participation, Nakai anticipates a rollercoaster of emotions. “A lot of crying, I cry a lot… I’m overly sensitive but I’ll try my best to keep my head in the game and not be too stressed about everything that’s thrown my way. I guess I’ll see how it goes.”

Beyond Tropika Island of Treasure, Nakai is focusing on her makeup line, indicating a growing entrepreneurial focus. However, she remains somewhat creatively stalled when it comes to music. “I’m definitely more focused on my makeup line. So, I’m pushing that heavily… but when it comes to music, I’m still waiting to feel inspired, especially in the genre that I love, which is hip-hop. At the moment, I’m remarkably bored and uninspired… nothing really fascinates me to pen down a song or hit the studio.”

As Nakai prepares to navigate the challenges of Tropika Island of Treasure, she appears determined to embrace the experience whereas simultaneously charting a new course for her career, one that balances reality television with entrepreneurial ventures and a renewed search for musical inspiration. The show is slated to air in June.