Nasty C, born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo on February 11, 1997, is one of South Africa’s most influential rappers, songwriters, and producers. Growing up in Durban, he faced early tragedy with the loss of his mother but found solace in music thanks to his older brother, who introduced him to it when he was just nine years old. By the time he was fourteen, Nasty C had already released his debut mixtape, One Kid, a Thousand Coffins, showcasing his raw talent and drive.
His big break came in 2015 with the single “Juice Back,” which caught fire across the country and led to a high-profile remix featuring Davido and Cassper Nyovest. This momentum launched his debut album, Bad Hair (2016), which topped charts and was followed by Bad Hair Extensions later that year. In 2018, his album Strings and Bling further cemented his place as a powerhouse in South African hip-hop.
In 2020, Nasty C took a major step forward by signing a joint deal with Def Jam Recordings and dropping Zulu Man with Some Power, an album featuring big names like T.I. and Ari Lennox. The project earned critical praise and won the Best Hip Hop Album at the 2021 South African Music Awards.
Never one to slow down, he released I Love It Here in September 2023, which debuted at number one in South Africa. Beyond music, Nasty C has also ventured into acting, appearing in Netflix’s Blood & Water and Disney+’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. Offstage, he’s known for his philanthropy and connection with fans through his Ivyson Army community, offering exclusive content and a closer bond with his supporters.