Novel plan gets popular Nasty C ‘unlocked’ for Potch performance
Nasty C (with the red cap) with his fans during the Potchefstroom fan “activation”. Image: Instagram lerattoluvrz
When local fans of the popular rapper Nasty C needed a way of convincing him to return to Potchefstroom for a full concert, they found a novel way to do so. And it worked!
Nasty C (his real name is Nsikayesizwe Ngcobo) drew a large crowd of students during a pop-up visit to North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus in August, followed by a packed performance at Club Fika. But would there be enough demand for the artist to include the city in his Ivyson Tour?
To answer this question, a target was set: if at least 250 tickets could be sold for such a potential event, Nasty C would be ‘unlocked’ to perform at a big local venue. And to reach that target, a so-called ‘fan activation’ would be needed.
Power in the hands of the fans
And by putting the power directly in the hands of the fans, that is exactly what happened, and Nasty C will indeed be performing at Senwes Park Cricket Stadium on 25 October.
Local fans and event organisers say this is not just another event but transforms it into a powerful display of what community support looks like by using an innovative new model for ‘activating’ an artist. It is also seen as a major victory for Potch’s expanding cultural scene and makes a powerful statement of what the city and NWU students are capable of.
The event is organised by Lerato Naledi Majoe, founder of Lerattoluvrz Events and Management, who explained how he and his team are living up to their motto “Connecting you to all ends of music”.
Majoe told threestreamsmedia the event is meaningful in many ways, including as a way of embracing diversity.
“This event is about more than just one night. It’s about motivating creators, artists, and even sponsors to believe in Potchefstroom. The ‘groove’ life will always be here, but success like this shows we can do more. We can bring live concerts, real culture, and big stages to this city, especially ones catering more to the students.”
One of the fans who hope the event is more than just temporary hype is Thendo Lucky Nemavhandu, who saw the activation not just as a way to see Nasty C in a big venue in Potch but also as a chance to support his friend Majoe.
“People saw Nasty C on campus,” Nemavhandu told threestreamsmedia, “and he performed a few songs, and he left, but this time, my ticket means I am going to see him face to face, do a meet and greet, see him backstage, probably for the whole night, seeing him in person. Imagine one day sitting there and thinking, ‘Oh, I bought a ticket to make sure Nasty C comes to Potch.’”
That daydream has now become a community-driven reality, and the excitement is building. If it were up to the fans to create a playlist for the event, Nemavhandu said, “Lemonade would definitely be on that list”.
‘The activiation experience was incredible’
PUKfm, the NWU campus radio station, also partnered with the Ivyson Tour for the activation in Potchefstroom.
Kutlwano Rampitsang, a PUKfm marketing officer, called it “impactful and exciting”. “What I’m looking forward to most about Nasty C’s performance on 25 October is more songs, more energy. I had a great time at the activation.”
Station Manager Katlego Nkwe explained that the partnership came together naturally through the radio station’s music and programming team.
“The collaboration between PUKfm and Nasty C’s Ivyson Tour came about through our music and programming team. We had originally been working on organising an interview with Nasty C for the radio station, and during those conversations, the opportunity opened up to partner. The timing was perfect, and since his team was already keen to explore the Potchefstroom market, the partnership came together quite naturally.”
Nkwe said PUKfm will continue to play a central role in the concert on 25 October. “This is an exciting opportunity for our student volunteers, who will also get to attend and gain valuable exposure to how large-scale events are run.”
He added: “The activation experience was incredible. I’m looking forward to seeing him perform live again when the Ivyson Tour comes to Potchefstroom.” – By Ntombikayise Mahuma & Lindokuhle Fakude