South African singer, songwriter and DJ Nana Atta explores love, betrayal and the decision to walk away on her new single, “Umuntu,” featuring DJ and producer Mr Luu.
Available on all streaming platforms, the track offers a preview of her upcoming EP, a project inspired by her recent collaborations with Kenyan artists, including Njerae.
“Umuntu” brings together Afrobeat influences, soulful Afro-pop melodies and an amapiano-inspired dance groove. At its centre is a relationship strained by dishonesty, with Nana Atta addressing the frustration of loving someone whose actions repeatedly undermine that love.
The recurring Zulu hook, “Angeke ngidlal’ umuntu,” anchors the song’s message of refusing to be taken for granted. Moving between vulnerability and confidence, the track follows the emotional shift from disappointment to choosing self-respect.
With Mr Luu joining her on the release, Nana Atta places that personal subject matter within a rhythmic, dance-focused setting. The result is a song that pairs the pain of betrayal with the resolve to move forward.
The single also introduces the direction of her forthcoming EP. While a title and release date have yet to be shared in the announcement, its connection to her recent work with Kenyan collaborators points to an expanding range of musical influences.
Born Sinenhlanhla Mthembu in KwaZulu-Natal, Nana Atta has spent more than 15 years developing her career in entertainment. Her work spans R&B, Afro-pop, Afro-house and Afro-tech, with songwriting and vocal collaborations forming a significant part of her musical journey.
Her career has brought her into creative circles that include Zakes Bantwini, Sun-El Musician, Da Capo, MoBlack, Thandi Draai and K.O. Her catalogue also includes the 2025 release “Kuwe” with MoBlack, adding to a body of work that connects her voice with different strands of dance music.
Beyond her releases, her career highlights include selection for She Is The Music, the initiative co-founded by Alicia Keys to support women in music, and an invitation to a studio camp with Tems.
On “Umuntu,” Nana Atta brings the focus back to her own storytelling, using a familiar relationship struggle to explore the moment when affection gives way to firmer boundaries.
“Umuntu” featuring Mr Luu is available now. Listen here.
