Nasty C Claims Sjava Asked to Switch to English Because His isiZulu Was “Too Deep”

• A recording of one of Nasty C's livestreams resurfaced on social media, featuring a surprising story about Sjava
• The rapper claimed he and Sjava had been speaking strictly isiZulu before the Bergville musician asked to switch languages
• Fans were left in stitches but remained deeply sceptical of the rapper's wild story

Nasty C has the internet laughing and scratching their heads after a clip from one of his livestreams resurfaced on 23 August 2026, in which he told a story about a conversation he once had with fellow musician Sjava.

According to the rap star, the two had been communicating strictly in isiZulu when things took an unexpected turn. He claimed Sjava eventually tapped out, asking to switch over to English because the language Nasty C was speaking had become too advanced for him to follow.

"I spoke so much Zulu that he said, 'Brother, you're confusing me now. He said my Zulu is too much; he said, 'Let's rather speak English, the Zulu you're speaking now is authentic, it's too deep.'"

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The claim is particularly striking given who Sjava is as an artist. The Bergville musician has spent years building a reputation as one of South Africa's most passionate champions of African culture, delivering emotionally charged lyrics entirely in isiZulu and frequently stepping out in traditional attire. Whether on stage or off it, Sjava's identity is deeply rooted in his heritage, which is precisely why many found Nasty C's version of events so difficult to swallow.

Recently, the rapper went viral after making another attempt at speaking Setswana, leaving fans across social media hysterical.

Watch Nasty C's video below.

Mzansi was not buying Nasty C's story

Fans found the story more amusing than believable. Nasty C is widely known for rapping and communicating predominantly in English, which made his claim of out-Zulu-ing a cultural heavyweight like Sjava feel far-fetched to most.

clopas_kyle_ said:

"Nasty did say sometimes you need to lie."

yvessaintyard called him out:

"Nasty lying for no reason."

isthat_tim_ was unconvinced:

"Even this statement sounds rehearsed."

Nasty C celebrates his SAMA win

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared Nasty C's heartfelt message to his fans after securing a win at the South African Music Awards.

The rapper thanked his supporters and the dedicated team behind his brand and music, and wasted no time in announcing new music.

Source: Briefly News