He was a teenager when his mixtape caught the industry’s attention. Nasty C, from Durban, built a reputation for sharp lyrics and confident flows long before he was old enough to drink. By 2020, he had signed a deal with Def Jam Recordings, one of America’s most famous hip-hop labels, and released an album titled Zulu Man with Some Power.
Early life and Bad Hair
Nasty C was born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo in 1997 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. His mother died when he was young, and he has spoken about how that loss shaped his music. He released mixtapes as a teenager, including One Kid, a Thousand Coffins, which gained attention in South Africa’s hip-hop scene. His debut album, Bad Hair, came out in 2016. It earned acclaim and awards, including South African Music Awards.
Strings and Bling (2018) continued his success, with hit singles and collaborations.
Def Jam and Zulu Man
In 2020, Nasty C signed with Def Jam, joining a label known for artists such as Jay-Z and Kanye West. The deal was celebrated as a milestone for African hip-hop. The 2020 album featured collaborations with international artists including Lil Gotit and T.I., and its title referenced his Zulu identity. Nasty C calls his fans the Ivyson Army, a name taken from his nickname, Ivyson. His loyal fan base helped push his songs up streaming charts.
He has won BET Hip Hop Awards and South African Music Awards, among others. Nasty C helped show that South African rap could compete internationally, alongside artists such as AKA and Cassper Nyovest.
Later work and collaborations
He continued releasing music, including the album I Love It Here in 2023. Nasty C has worked with artists from South Africa, Nigeria and the United States, building a reputation as a rapper who can move between local and international audiences. He has rapped openly about losing his mother and about mental health, themes that resonate with many young fans.
Nasty C also produces some of his own beats, giving him more control over his sound. Nasty C’s album title announced who he was: a Zulu man from Durban. Def Jam’s signing showed that the world was ready to listen.
