Nadia Nakai – “I’m not doing club gigs, I absolutely hate it”

Nadia Nakai no longer performing at clubs

Nadia Nakai announces a major shift in her career as she says she’s no longer accepting club gigs.

The rapper has made it clear that the era of club appearances is behind her, as she pivots toward a more intentional and musically fulfilling path.

Speaking candidly on the Defining Podcast, Nakai didn’t sugarcoat how she currently feels about the kind of performances that once defined her brand.

Reflecting on her time hosting and performing in clubs, she admitted the experience no longer resonates with her.

“I’m tired,” she said. “I’m at this place where when I see myself performing, when I see myself hosting in clubs, I’m cringing. I’m looking at myself saying, ‘Ew, that looks bad.’ What am I doing at this stage of the game? I don’t wanna be doing this.”

Rather than easing out gradually, Nakai has drawn a firm boundary.

She revealed that she has already stopped accepting club bookings, noting that her last appearance in that setting was on New Year’s.

Going forward, she’s only interested in performances that align with her evolving vision.

“I’m not doing club gigs. I’m not doing performances where it’s just me and my DJ,” she explained.

“If you’re booking me for a performance, it has to be festivals, and I’m bringing a band. If I can’t bring band, leave me out of it, ‘cause that’s the only thing that inspires me now.”

This shift isn’t just about changing venues, it’s about redefining her artistry.

Nakai spoke about wanting more depth in how she presents her music, moving away from the high-energy but formulaic club environment that often prioritises image and hype over musicality.

“I feel like I need to grow as a musician, even the way that I perform and put my craft out there,” she said.

“Because now just wearing like a skimpy dress in the club, popping bottles… I’m not there anymore. I don’t wanna be there anymore. I absolutely hate it.”

Her decision reflects a broader sense of self-awareness and control.

“You deserve to ask for what you want,” she added. “Yeah, and getting that, that is what is happening.”

Watch the podcast below: