{
  "id": 19802681,
  "title": "‘It was really tough’: Nadia Nakai reflects on her Tropika Island of Treasure journey after elimination",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/it-was-really-tough-nadia-nakai-reflects-on-her-tropika-island-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T12:10:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/entertainment/tv/it-was-really-tough-nadia-nakai-reflects-on-her-tropika-island-of-treasure-journey-after-elimination/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rapper Nadia Nakai has been eliminated from Tropika Island of Treasure, concluding her journey on Réunion Island. Nakai teamed up with Andile Khuluse as Team Green Apple and faced multiple elimination rounds during the competition. Their elimination followed a Mystery Box swap that put them and Team Mango Peach in a vulnerable position. The competition took a new turn when contestants Caster Semenya and Ashay Sewlall returned as Team Orange. Despite surviving several previous eliminations, Team Green Apple ultimately faced elimination.\n\nReflecting on her Tropika Island of Treasure experience, Nakai admitted to underestimating the challenges and pressure of competing. She said, \"I think I underestimated Tropika Island of Treasure. You watch the games and think they look so simple, but when you're under pressure and trying to win a challenge, it becomes quite daunting.\" The rapper and her partner faced elimination three times during their time on the island, which affected her confidence. Nakai stated, \"It was defeating to keep having a Safe Token and then lose it, and it was also disheartening to constantly find ourselves in the elimination rounds. Having to face elimination almost every week was heartbreaking. It was really tough.\"\n\nNakai praised Khuluse for his support during difficult moments in the competition. She said, \"He really was amazing at helping me get my head back in the game. There were quite a few times when I felt like I wanted to give up, but he never let me. He was such a good motivator and someone who could immediately get me back on track, which I really appreciated.\" Nakai contributed strategic planning during challenges, while Khuluse helped her maintain determination to complete tasks. Their different strengths complemented each other, allowing them to work effectively as a team.\n\nBeyond the competition, Nakai enjoyed exploring Réunion Island. She remarked, \"I actually didn’t realise how close Réunion Island was to South Africa, and the fact that it’s part of France was also very interesting to me. It’s a gorgeous place and, to be honest, it reminds me a lot of Cape Town. The beaches are beautiful, the food was amazing, and the hotel we stayed at was so opulent. It’s also a beautiful wedding destination.\"",
  "summary": "Nakai has been eliminated from the competition alongside her Smooth Fan partner, Andile Khuluse.",
  "key_points": [
    "Nadia Nakai eliminated from Tropika Island of Treasure competition",
    "Team Green Apple faced elimination three times during journey",
    "Nakai praised Andile Khuluse for support and motivation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Caster Semenya and Ashay Sewlall win second chance on Tropika Island of Treasure",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/caster-semenya-and-ashay-sewlall-win-second-chance-on-tropika-island",
        "published": "2026-11-13T10:55:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}