Nasty C has officially received his physical SAMA32 trophy for winning Best Hip Hop Album with his 2025 project, Free, adding another milestone to the rapper’s growing catalogue.
The Durban-born artist, whose real name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, was recently filmed collecting the award in a low-key moment. The footage was shared by SA hip-hop platform Rap-Kulture ZA, capturing the rapper receiving the physical trophy weeks after the SAMA32 ceremony.
Nasty C’s Independent Era Gets Major Recognition
Released on 12 September 2025 through his Tall Racks Records imprint, Free marked Nasty C’s first fully independent studio album following his departure from Def Jam.
The project represented a new phase in the rapper’s career, giving him greater control over his creative direction and the way his music was released. Across the album, Nasty C moves between hard-hitting rap, melodic production and experimental sounds.
Free also features contributions from artists including Blxckie and Usimamane, adding different perspectives to the project’s sound.
A Third Best Hip Hop Album SAMA
Nasty C’s latest recognition came at the 32nd South African Music Awards, held at the Sun City Superbowl in August 2026 under the theme “The Future Sounds Like Now Now.”
The Best Hip Hop Album victory marked the third time Nasty C has taken home the category.
He previously won with Strings and Bling in 2019 and Zulu Man with Some Power in 2021. His latest award therefore adds another SAMA win to a career that has continued to evolve both creatively and commercially.
Nasty C Responds to Support and Criticism
Following the SAMA32 ceremony, Nasty C acknowledged the role played by his team and the Ivyson Army, particularly through their support for Free and their contribution to the album’s streaming performance.
The rapper also addressed criticism the project received before its award recognition, describing some of the earlier doubts surrounding the album as “invalid.”
With the physical trophy now in his hands, the SAMA32 win adds another chapter to the story of Free.
Beyond the award itself, the achievement places further attention on an album released during a significant transition in Nasty C’s career — his move away from the major-label system and into a more independent chapter through Tall Racks Records.
