Every few years there comes a talent that will disrupt the music industry.
They do things their way, come with a sound no one else is doing and they make everyone sit up and take notice. Nasty C, 19, is that guy.
The Durban born musician has been a major player for the past 18 months in the music industry and he’s only just getting started. With his long-awaited album, Bad Hair, finally released, he’s clearly planning to make his presence felt even more. With a nomination at Saturday’s MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Breakthrough Act, most expect him to walk away with the award.
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He’s also performing at the awards and at East Coast Radio’s Durban Day on Sunday, 23 October 2016 at the Moses Mabhida People’s Park.
It’s rare for someone to come into the music industry and make such an impact, especially at a very young age.
Did you find that people doubted you in the beginning because of your age?
Yes, people judged me because of my age.
And then when you got into the studio and started spitting, I assume that you changed their whole outlook and opinion on who you are as an artist?
Yes, that definitely changed their perception towards me. They all started questioning my age because of how mature and content I am. My confidence in my work also contributed into how I am now received.
Was that difficult for you in the beginning of your career?
No, it wasn’t really difficult, but I had challenges of not being ready at that particular time. You know the feeling of wanting to do something and when it finally kicks off – the feeling of uncertainty and questioning whether one is ready or not arises. It was challenging rather than difficult.
And to get into that inner circle of the music industry, where you get to work with the top guys like Cassper, Anatii and even Davido- did you find that a difficult process?
No, it wasn’t difficult per se. I don’t really like to work with a lot of people, but when I do – I make sure that its people that I relate with. Most importantly its people who know what they are doing. When all that is established everything else runs smoothly and we do what we love the most – music.
Speaking of beginnings, you were nine when you first started rapping- do you still remember the first song?
Oh yes, I remember my first song
Do you still have recordings of it?
No unfortunately, I don’t – if I did even record it…
Your success is pretty much a big deal- from Juice Back, the remix with Cassper and Davido and also Hell Naw and of course, releasing Bad Hair.
Does it surprise you just how much of an impact you have made in the past 18 months?
Yes, it most certainly does. Talent alone cannot take one to higher heights. There is a team that I work with, that helps me in any way possible. I wouldn’t be Nasty C if I didn’t have people who accept and support my music.
I am a bit of both 1. Not surprised, because I’ve always known the skill that I possess and I have always been confident in my art. 2.
Surprised, because that dream has now become a reality and the way people react to my music is constantly surprising.
Do you think you took too long to release Bad Hair?
No – not at all. No time like the present.
Why give it away for free?
I was having issues with sample clearance and that meant I couldn't put the whole project up for sale just yet and it was already too close to release date. So I decided to rather put it out for free than to disappoint my fans by pushing it back. I thought to myself that my fans, the people that appreciate what I do, deserve this and I will do if for them.
Has that resulted in more sales for the album?
Giving the album for free has not negatively affected sales in anyway. ‘Bad Hair’ is still number 1 on iTunes.
It’s getting rave reviews though from critics. Do reviews matter to you at all?
No they don’t. I don’t disregard people’s thoughts at all – at the end of the day it is people’s thoughts on my music that have carved my successes thus far. People will review the album when they feel they need to.
And awards? You’re nominated for Best Breakthrough at the MAMAs, which is a huge deal. Does winning mean a lot to you or it’s more about the music for you?
Music matters above anything else. Awards mean that your music is heard and favoured by people – so it also matters. I want to win an MTV Africa Music Award though.
At my parents' house.
You are performing at Durban Day and the MAMAs in the same weekend- how are you making sure that the performances are different and yet still iconic? Because they are two very different stages.
From my preparation right to that minute I am not stage. I feed off the energy from the audience. I will give both stage a performance that they will never forget and all of it is entirely depend on the audiences reception.
Biggest achievement? Do you have one yet?
So far, releasing the well rated album “Bad Hair”