Nasty C & Usimamane Represent SA Hip Hop on National Radio Chart This Week With ‘Soft’
Nasty C and Usimamane have emerged as the only South African hip‑hop artists to feature in this week’s National Top 20 Radio Airplay Chart, with their collaboration “Soft” securing the impressive number four position. Radio Monitor South Africa released the Top 20 Radio Airplay Chart for Week 35 of 2025, revealing “Soft” as the sole hip‑hop entry in an otherwise genre‑diverse field.
The chart reflects national radio exposure across multiple formats, and the inclusion of “Soft” underscores the song’s strong performance and broad appeal. With its position at number four, the track ranks among the most‑played songs on South Africa’s airwaves for the week. The achievement is notable not only for placing high on the chart but also for representing hip‑hop in a space typically dominated by more mainstream or dance‑oriented genres.
The impact of this recognition was immediately visible on social media. A fan reposted the Radio Monitor SA chart post on Instagram with the caption “with a whole genre on his shoulder”, highlighting the significance of Nasty C’s role in carrying South African hip‑hop into mainstream airplay. Nasty C reshared that fan’s story on his own Instagram, amplifying the message and drawing further attention to the milestone.
“Soft” marks a compelling collaboration between Nasty C, a veteran of the local hip‑hop scene and Usimamane, a rising artist whose breakthrough single “Cheque” achieved multi‑platinum status and helped establish him as a force in the genre. The track blends introspective lyricism with atmospheric production, offering both commercial appeal and the creative authenticity the artists are known for. This balance likely contributed to its resonance with a broad radio audience.
“Soft” has continued to perform well across multiple platforms since its release. The song has been widely circulated on streaming services, music video channels, and social media, contributing to its steady growth. Its reception has highlighted the appeal of the collaboration, with both artists bringing their own strengths to the track, Nasty C’s seasoned lyricism and Usimamane’s rising star power.
The release of “Soft” followed a string of milestones for both artists. Nasty C has maintained a strong presence in the industry, with several of his recent projects receiving wide acclaim and consistent support across digital platforms. Usimamane, known for his high-streaming breakout releases, has quickly established himself as one of the genre’s most promising new names. Their joint effort on “Soft” has added momentum to both careers while drawing attention back to hip-hop’s place in South African mainstream music.
Its performance on radio not only affirms the song’s resonance with audiences but also reinforces the continued relevance of South African hip-hop within a competitive and evolving soundscape. The collaboration between Nasty C and Usimamane is proving to be a meaningful contribution to the genre’s journey in 2025.
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