Nasty C Secures AFRIMA Nomination For “Soft” Featuring Usimamane. The acclaimed South African rapper Nasty C has received a nomination for Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa at the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) for his track “Soft” featuring Usimamane.
This nomination places the hitmaker from Durban among the most recognized artists in the region this year, as “Soft” gains acclaim for its polished writing, commercial-ready sound, and a hook that has dominated playlists across the continent.
AFRIMA—backed by the African Union—returns to Lagos, Nigeria, with a full week of activities culminating in the main awards event. The AFRIMA Awards Week is set to run from November 25 to 30, 2025, transforming the city into a hub for pan-African music with concerts, industry forums, and a party for nominees ahead of the ceremony.
In addition to the regional nomination, “Soft” also gives Nasty C further accolades on the continental scene: Best African Lyricist/Rapper and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip-Hop—both recognizing his collaboration with Usimamane. This impressive showing highlights the song’s wide-reaching appeal and positions the rapper as one of the most globally recognized voices in SA hip-hop.
This year’s Lagos events aim to be a comprehensive cultural engagement—encompassing the Africa Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village/Festival, and numerous showcases throughout the city—leading up to the glamorous finale on the final day of the awards week. Organizers and the Lagos State Government have already indicated their preparedness to host artists and fans from all over Africa and the diaspora.
Nasty C’s nomination caps off a remarkable year for Southern African artists at AFRIMA and further establishes his reputation as a leading influence in the region. With “Soft,” he enhances a discography that consistently merges sharp lyrics with widespread appeal—now acknowledged formally by one of the continent’s premier platforms.
