South African rap star returns to the platform where his breakthrough began with unreleased gem “A Star Is Born” featuring Riky Rick and Omari Hardwick
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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Ten years after a young Nasty C strategically leaked his debut album Bad Hair on Audiomack, the South African hip-hop heavyweight has returned to the platform that helped launch his remarkable career.
To commemorate a decade since the release of Bad Hair, Audiomack is celebrating Nasty C’s journey with the exclusive release of “A Star Is Born,” a previously unreleased track featuring late South African hip-hop icon Riky Rick and acclaimed American actor, poet and musician Omari Hardwick.
The release, available from 23 September 2026, marks a powerful full-circle moment for an artist whose early ambition and digital hustle would ultimately take him from the streets of Durban to international stages.
A decade in the making
When Bad Hair arrived in 2016, Nasty C was still establishing himself as one of the most exciting young voices in South African hip-hop.
The project quickly became an important chapter in his emergence, with Audiomack providing a platform for the young rapper to connect directly with listeners and build momentum around his music.
Now, ten years later, that same platform is helping him revisit the beginning of the journey.
“A Star Is Born” holds particular significance because the song was originally intended to appear on Bad Hair. However, sample-clearance complications prevented it from being included on the commercially released project.
A decade later, Nasty C has finally given fans an opportunity to hear the track in full.
The song’s significance is amplified by the presence of Riky Rick, whose contribution to South African hip-hop and Nasty C’s early career remains an important part of the genre’s modern history, alongside Omari Hardwick’s distinctive artistic voice.
From leaked album to global career
Nasty C’s decision to release Bad Hair through Audiomack was more than a workaround to an industry obstacle. It demonstrated the growing power of digital platforms to give emerging African artists direct access to audiences.
His career has since expanded dramatically, with the rapper becoming one of the most recognisable names in contemporary African hip-hop.
The anniversary therefore represents more than a celebration of an album. It is a reflection on the evolution of an artist, a music ecosystem and the digital platforms that helped create new pathways for African talent.
For Audiomack, bringing the story back to where it began creates a particularly fitting anniversary moment.
A new home for the Nasty C story
Alongside the exclusive track, Audiomack has launched a dedicated Nasty C Hub, creating a central destination where fans can explore the rapper’s music and career.
The hub allows longtime supporters to revisit Bad Hair while exploring Nasty C’s broader catalogue. At the same time, younger listeners discovering the rapper for the first time can trace the music and moments that helped establish his reputation.
Audiomack Vice President of Marketing Charlotte Bwana described the anniversary as a special return to a defining moment in Nasty C’s career.
“A decade ago, Audiomack was part of the moment that introduced Bad Hair to a new generation of listeners, and it’s incredibly special to return to that moment with Nasty C.”
Bwana said “A Star Is Born” brings together an important piece of the rapper’s early story with artists who helped make that era memorable.
Nasty C: “To my day ones, thank you”
For Nasty C, the anniversary is also an opportunity to acknowledge the listeners who supported him from the beginning.
Reflecting on the decision that ultimately led to Bad Hair being released on Audiomack, the rapper explained that he had chosen to leak the project after being unable to clear a song that was important to him.
Ten years later, that unresolved chapter has finally been completed.
“A decade later, I’ve decided to finally put this song out so my fans can enjoy what I couldn’t release back then,” Nasty C said.
He also thanked the supporters who remained with him throughout his evolution.
“To my day ones, thank you for riding with me for all these years.”
A full-circle moment for African hip-hop
The release of “A Star Is Born” arrives at a significant moment for Nasty C and his supporters.
What began a decade ago with an emerging South African rapper using a digital music platform to circumvent a release obstacle has evolved into an international career — and the previously unreleased song now gives fans an opportunity to hear a piece of that formative era.
The collaboration with Riky Rick and Omari Hardwick adds another layer to the story, bringing together voices associated with different generations and creative disciplines.
For fans who experienced Bad Hair when it first appeared, the anniversary offers a chance to revisit a defining moment.
For a new generation discovering Nasty C, it provides an opportunity to hear one of the missing pieces from the beginning of his journey.
Ten years later, the story continues — and “A Star Is Born” has finally found its way home.
“A Star Is Born” and the dedicated Nasty C Hub are available exclusively on Audiomack from 23 September 2026.
