Ayanda Ngcobo, brother and manager of Nasty C, observes the rapper’s SAMA victory with more than just pride. For Nasty C’s elder sibling, this latest honor symbolizes ten years of camaraderie, faith, and shaping a music career that remains true to their vision.
Ayanda Ngcobo, Brother and Manager of Nasty C, Celebrates Rapper’s SAMA WinOn Saturday, Ngcobo took to social media to reminisce about their journey, which commenced a decade ago when his younger brother invited him into the music industry.
“10 years ago my brother said, ‘ Come do this music thing with me; fast forward to today we won best hip hop album independently,” Ngcobo wrote.
He expressed gratitude toward Nasty C, whose full name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, for having faith in him and demonstrating that success can be achieved without sacrificing their independence. He also expressed thanks to his wife for her unwavering support and dedicated the achievement to the Ngcobo family.
“This 1 is for the Ngcobo’s to another 10 years with God on our side,” he remarked.
This heartfelt reflection followed shortly after Nasty C’s album Free was awarded Best Hip Hop Album at the 32nd South African Music Awards held at Sun City Superbowl. Released in 2025 under the rapper’s Tall Racks label, this project signifies an important phase in his transition to increased creative and business autonomy.
For the Ngcobo brothers, this recognition is not merely about the trophy.
Their collaboration began in Durban during Nasty C’s nascent career, as he crafted his mixtapes and emerged as one of South Africa’s notable young hip-hop talents. As Nasty C’s popularity escalated, Ayanda assumed a crucial role behind the scenes, steering the business aspects of his brother’s ascent.
The duo’s partnership has remained strong throughout significant milestones, including the successes of Bad Hair, Strings and Bling, Zulu Man with Some Power, and now Free. Over time, Tall Racks has become an integral component of Nasty C’s independent aspirations, emphasizing ownership and control in their strategy.
Thus, the SAMA win transcends mere industry recognition. It validates a trajectory that the brothers have been cultivating for years.
Ngcobo’s remarks highlighted a focus on gratitude for their journey rather than the accolades themselves. His reflections harked back to the pivotal moment a decade earlier when his younger brother invited him on this path.
What started as a family decision has matured into a robust musical collaboration.
For Nasty C and Ayanda, the SAMA award for Free represents another landmark, yet Ngcobo’s comments emphasize their forward momentum. With faith, family, and independence guiding their path, the brothers seem poised to embark on another decade of creative endeavors.
