Social media personality and influencer Nicole Nyaba has shared one of her most candid interviews yet, reflecting on love, loss, public scrutiny and the personal growth that has shaped her life.
Also see: Nicole Nyaba, AKA’s ex-girlfriend, says she fears for her life
Speaking to Lungelo KM on the Engineer Your Life podcast, Nicole revisited some of the most talked-about chapters of her life, including her relationship with the late rapper AKA, the criticism she has faced online and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Nicole Nyaba reflects on her relationship with AKA
During the interview and snippets seen online, Nicole addressed her past relationship with the late Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes, a romance that attracted significant public attention.
She maintained that their relationship was genuine, pushing back against perceptions that have followed her over the years. Nicole said she never viewed herself as a “side chick” and described their connection as one built on genuine love.
While she acknowledged that many people have formed their own opinions about their relationship, she said she felt it was important to share her truth.
AKA and I were in love, our love was real and pure.
Nicole Nyaba Tells All.
Today at 12h00.#EngineerYourLife pic.twitter.com/VgTkT603ke
— Engineer Your Life (@EngineerYLPod) July 21, 2026
Learning from heartbreak
Nicole also reflected on how heartbreak and disappointment became turning points in her life.
She admitted that some of the decisions she made when she was younger came with consequences, but said those experiences ultimately taught her valuable lessons about self-worth, resilience and personal accountability.
Rather than allowing her past to define her, Nicole explained that she has chosen to embrace growth and use her experiences as motivation to become a better version of herself.
Also see: Aka responds to Nicole Nyaba’s interview
Navigating life in the public eye
Being in the spotlight has not always been easy.
Nicole spoke about the emotional toll of being judged on social media, saying that constant criticism affected her confidence and mental well-being.
However, she revealed that she has reached a point where she no longer seeks validation from strangers and instead prioritises her peace, healing and personal development.
I take full responsibility for my baddie lifestyle, the substance abuse I was in and I am disgstued with who I was.
Nicole Nyaba Tells All.#EngineerYourLife pic.twitter.com/wXtgm4mAxI
— Engineer Your Life (@EngineerYLPod) July 21, 2026
Nicole Nyaba chooses herself
The influencer also discussed how her perspective on relationships has changed over time.
She said she now values healthy connections, emotional maturity and inner peace over external validation or public attention. Nicole described her current journey as one focused on healing, self-discovery and becoming the best version of herself.
A story of growth
Throughout the interview, Nicole emphasised that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow beyond their past mistakes.
Her appearance on Engineer Your Life offered viewers a more personal side of the influencer, highlighting not only the challenges she has faced but also the resilience she has developed while navigating life in the public eye.
Also see: Nicole Nyaba opens about relationship with AKA
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
