Nadia Nakai on growth and authenticity: inside 'Beyond Bragga' season 2

South African rapper and reality star Nadia Nakai is back for a second season of her hit BET Africa show, "Beyond Bragga", on September 6.

This new season promises to be a mix of authenticity, growth and a peek into Nakai’s life and adventures.

If you thought the first season was captivating, just wait until you see what she has in store for the new season.

During a quick chat about the upcoming season, Nakai shared her excitement about returning to the small screen and revealed how much she has evolved since the show first began.

"It feels good to be back. In season 1, I was in a different phase and era of my healing and in season 2, I've come more into myself and a little bit lighter and happier," she said.

"I have new ventures. My family is more involved in this season as well. In season one, I threw them in the deep end, and it was hard for them to be themselves when the cameras were around, but this season, I really saw them blossom.

"Even my little cousin she's allowed herself to open up, as well as my aunt, so it's going to be really exciting to watch."

Nakai is ready to share more real moments that go beyond just flashing lights and glamorous events, as she believes that the magic of her show is its authentic representation of her life.

"Because of being the artist I am, I rely on talking about your life and experiences in my music, and it was easy for me to tap into that with my own reality show because I was able to show my day-in and day-out life," she explained.  

Unlike her previous experience on "Young, Famous & African", where she was surrounded by eight other cast members and a lot of drama, having her own show creates a space that feels more personal and real. 

"With my own show, it's a universe that already exists, so it feels more natural, more me, more authentic. I am able to really show what goes into being Nadia, being Bragga, hence the name 'Beyond Bragga'. It goes beyond the persona that everybody sees.

"Especially real-life experiences, trials and tribulations. Talking about it on my terms, not having to consider other cast members and how they fit into my story. I prefer having my own show," she said. 

This season, Nakai also plans to dive deeper into her family's journeys, letting their stories shine alongside hers.

"Now it's about my ecosystem and the issues they are dealing with and their stories and journeys and how that intertwines with mine."

Speaking about the success she has achieved throughout her career and with the show, she said: "There is always an imposter syndrome level in everything I do, which I am trying to work on, but I also feel like I need to hold on to it a bit more because that's what keeps me grounded and grateful for everything that happens in my life.

"In this industry, you always have to keep space for disappointment. It's a difficult thing to manage."

As viewers are set to witness her growth, there are also themes of mental health that she plans to address this season.

"Therapy isn't something that I've explored, but it constantly comes up, even in season one. My friends, family and management tell me it's a good idea to go, but I don't want to say too much as it will be unpacked in the show, as well as my thought process behind therapy and how I feel about it."

She is also actively seeking feedback to improve her working relationships.

"I love how my team is women-driven; they are all powerful, strong women, and I think we've accomplished such amazing things together, but it has come to my attention that I can be difficult to work with. I feel like I am a breeze and easy-going, but my manager tells me that people are scared of me. So viewers will be able to see that unravel in the new season as well."

As the show gears toward its release, Nakai, who has full control over the final product, said that she is happy with the level of authenticity that is being showcased. 

"My manager and I review the episodes and approve them, and because I try to be as authentic as possible, so far I haven't found the need to cut anything. I am moving into my truth, and I don't feel like I need to hide. 

"I think that there are a lot of reality shows on TV right now, but the best ones that I resonate with are the most authentic and honest versions of the people I'm watching ... I feel like my reality show is one of the few that is authentic and truthful.

"I am not hiding things. It doesn't feel like I am extremely guarded or trying to pose as something I am not. Viewers will see me in all my flaws ... Sometimes I feel like I might be too honest, but I feel that that is what makes good reality TV.

"I really don't have any barriers or protection, I'm just being myself on the show. People love the realness of people, and that's what they will get with 'Beyond Bragga'." 

• "Beyond Bragga" season 2 airs on BET Africa (DStv Channel 129) on September 6 at 7pm.