Nasty C continues to cement his place as one of Africa’s leading rap voices with the release of "Big Timing" featuring longtime collaborator Tellaman.
Image: Supplied
“I was in a very clear space when I made ‘Big Timing’. I wanted something that felt celebratory, but not empty. It is confidence, but it is also gratitude,” said Nasty C about his latest release, “Big Timing”, featuring longtime collaborator Tellaman.
The single, lifted from “FREE (Deluxe)”, sees the Durban rapper reflecting on success, loyalty and growth while embracing a new era in his career as an independent artist.
The release continues the momentum surrounding “FREE (Deluxe)”, which arrived earlier this year as an extension of his fifth studio album, “FREE”.
The project not only showcased his growth as a musician, but also marked a turning point in his career after launching his own label, Tall Racks Records.
For Nasty C, “Big Timing” is more than just another song. It represents a shift in perspective and the rewards that come with perseverance.
“It is me looking around and realising that the people that I started with are still here, and we are not just surviving anymore, we are moving properly now,” he explained.
Built on smooth production and effortless chemistry between the two artists, the track blends themes of ambition, luxury and reflection.
While the song carries celebratory energy, it also explores the reality of working through struggles and staying focused while success grows around them.
Tellaman continues to prove why he remains one of South Africa’s most respected R&B voices through his collaboration with Nasty C on "Big Timing".
Image: Supplied
Nasty C described the collaboration with Tellaman as something that happened naturally because of their long history together in the music industry.
“Tellaman is a very old friend. I consider him a brother,” he said.
“We came up together in the industry and spent a lot of time in the studio together. It was only natural that he did a song with me on the ‘FREE (Deluxe)’ project. ‘Big Timing’ was the perfect song for us to do.”
Tellaman, whose real name is Thelumusa Samuel Owen, is known for blending R&B, soul and contemporary African sounds.
Raised in a musical environment shaped by church and choir music, he developed his skills as a self-taught artist before becoming one of the country’s recognised voices in modern R&B.
Their collaboration on “Big Timing" captures a balance between rap melodies and smooth vocal delivery while highlighting the chemistry they have built over years of friendship and studio sessions.
As his career continues to evolve, Nasty C said that he is no longer driven by the need for outside approval.
“At this point in my career, I am not chasing validation the same way,” he explained.
“I know what I have built, I know what I have survived, and I know where I am going. Big Timing is me saying we dreamed about this when things were not glamorous. Now that the timing is bigger, the intention is still the same.”
Born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, he has emerged as one of South Africa’s leading rap voices after the release of “Juice Back”.
His breakthrough success quickly established him as one of the youngest award winning artists in local hip hop.
Over the years, he has built a catalogue that includes projects such as “Bad Hair”, “Strings and Bling” and “Zulu Man with Some Power”.
Through these releases, he has consistently positioned himself as one of Africa’s most recognised rap exports.
Now operating independently, he said that he feels creatively liberated and more in control of his direction.
“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 said about the album title.
Nasty C continues to cement his place as one of Africa’s leading rap voices with the release of "Big Timing" featuring longtime collaborator Tellaman.
Image: Supplied
Although he believes his creative process remains largely unchanged, he admits listeners can expect growth in his sound.
“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 rapper also revealed that becoming independent has opened the door for him to release music and creative content more frequently.
“Since I’m independent now, I can pretty much drop whatever I want, which is exciting,” he said.
Beyond music, Nasty C has also hinted at plans to expand into fashion with the launch of his own clothing brand, adding another chapter to his growing business ambitions outside the studio.
He and Tellaman have come a long way since their early days in Durban. More importantly, their journey reflects two artists embracing success while remaining grounded in the experiences that shaped them.
Over the years, they have built one of the most prolific partnerships in South African music, collaborating on more than 20 tracks together.
Lutho Pasiya’s picks: Nasty C songs featuring Tellaman that you can still listen to today.