Nasty C

Nasty C, born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo on 11 February 1997, is one of South Africa’s most internationally recognised hip-hop artists. Born in Johannesburg and raised partly in Durban, the rapper, songwriter and producer began making music at a remarkably young age before becoming one of the biggest names in African hip-hop.

Early life

Nasty C developed an interest in hip-hop as a child and learned music production with help from his older brother, Siyabonga. He began making beats at about nine years old and released his first mixtape, One Kid, A Thousand Coffins, when he was just 15.

His early projects included the L.A.M.E EP in 2014 and the Price City mixtape in 2015. The latter produced his breakthrough hit, “Juice Back”, which was later remixed with Nigerian star Davido.

Breakthrough

The success of “Juice Back” established Nasty C as one of South Africa's most promising young rappers. In 2015, he won Best Freshman at the South African Hip Hop Awards, becoming the youngest recipient of the award at the time.

His debut album, Bad Hair, followed in 2016. The project helped turn the teenager into a major name on the South African music scene, while tracks such as “Hell Naw” further established his distinctive trap-influenced sound.

Strings and Bling

Nasty C reached another level with his second album, Strings and Bling, released in 2018. The project produced popular tracks including “King”, “Jungle” and “Strings and Bling” and earned major recognition, including South African Music Awards and All Africa Music Awards.

The album also gave rise to The Ivyson Tour, a concert series that became closely associated with Nasty C and his growing Ivyson brand.

Going global

In 2020, Nasty C signed a joint-venture deal with American powerhouse Def Jam Recordings. His first single under the label, “There They Go”, marked a major step into the international market.

Later that year, he released Zulu Man With Some Power, featuring international artists including T.I., Ari Lennox, Lil Gotit and Lil Keed. The album won Best Hip Hop Album at the 2021 South African Music Awards.

I Love It Here and beyond

Nasty C continued expanding his catalogue with the Ivyson Army mixtape in 2022 and his fourth studio album, I Love It Here, in 2023. He has also collaborated with artists from across Africa and the United States, strengthening his reputation beyond South Africa.

In 2025, he released FREE, which debuted at number one on the South African charts, according to AllMusic.

Legacy

From releasing his first mixtape at 15 to working with international stars and signing with Def Jam, Nasty C has built a career that has taken South African hip-hop onto a much larger global stage.

Known as Ivyson and famously described through the Zulu Man With Some Power identity, Nasty C remains one of the defining figures of the modern South African hip-hop generation.