Try GOLD - Free
Nasty C talks new album 'Free' and life as an independent artist
The Star
|September 16, 2025
RAPPER Nasty C is thrilled about the release of Free, an album where he allowed his creative juices to flow freely.
Speaking to Independent Media Lifestyle, the rapper, whose real name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, opened up about life as an independent artist, working on new music, and why he has been exploring everyday jobs outside of entertainment.
His latest offering, which dropped on Friday, marks the musician's fifth studio album and the first as an independent artist, a route he decided to take after founding his own record label called Tall Racks Records.
Sharing the inspiration behind his album title, he revealed that it stemmed from him feeling "free" from the pressure of being an artist.
"The title was inspired by me feeling free from a lot of different things, a lot of external pressures, internal pressures but also feeling free to create, free to be whoever I want to be and express however I want to express," he explained.
While the process of making the album was no different from his earlier projects, he explained that fans can expect some growth.
"I still work the same way. But sonically, I guess you can expect a little bit of growth. For the most part, I am still the same person, the same artist."
The
This story is from the September 16, 2025 edition of The Star.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Star
The Star
Tshwane ends decades-old lease, demands R3.8m from property owner
A DECADES-old lease that shielded a Pretoria East property from paying municipal bills has officially been scrapped, as the City of Tshwane moves to recover R3.8 million in unpaid rates from the owner, JL Van Druten.
1 min
October 10, 2025
The Star
Serial killers and survivalists offer a host of thrills on South Africa’s small screen
THE two-part second instalment of Great African Crimes returned to the History Channel last week.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Star
Gauteng schools at risk as security firms go unpaid
THE ongoing financial crisis engulfing the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has reached a critical point, with security service providers and school meal suppliers raising alarm over months of unpaid invoices, threatening the safety and well-being of learners across the province.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Star
Warning signs: how to spot and avoid Ponzi Schemes
AS ‘EXCLUSIVE’ investment opportunities promising extraordinary returns become increasingly common in South Africa, Certified Financial Planner Tyron Lessing reveals the three critical warning signs of modern Ponzi schemes and explains how emotional biases can lead even savvy investors astray.
4 mins
October 10, 2025
The Star
'I WILL NOT RESIGN,' SAYS SIBIYA
Suspended deputy police commissioner defiant after raid on his home amid corruption probe
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Star
Springbok power and the rise of Feinberg-Mngomezulu
What, no Cheslin Kolbe? Look, it was close, but while “Chessie” did some brilliant things in attack, he also had his share of blunders, including an “own goal” against the Pumas in Durban and another seven-point gift at Twickenham when he threw a Hail Mary pass.
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Star
Ex-Bafana player Nomvethe on Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers
FORMER Bafana Bafana striker Siyabonga Nomvethe has urged Hugo Broos and his side to remain focused on their journey as they chase qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Star
Husband to pay R1.5m to wife's legal team
THE Gauteng High Court, Pretoria ruled that it is only fair that a wealthy husband contribute R1.5 million towards his wife's legal costs in their protracted divorce proceedings.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Star
Sharks ready for Leinster's retaliation after disappointing African tour
THE Sharks are bracing themselves for a Leinster backlash in Dublin tomorrow after the champions lost twice in South Africa because of a “lack of physical intent”.
3 mins
October 10, 2025

The Star
Johannesburg secures R550 million international grant for waste-to-energy project
THE Infrastructure Fund, a partnership between the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), National Treasury and Infrastructure South Africa, has secured a R550 million grant from Dutch-based Invest International to support the rollout of the City of Johannesburg's landmark Alternative Waste Treatment Technology (AWTT) Project.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size