BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Grammy-winning Eswatini-born singer, songwriter and producer Manana is enjoying another major career moment after his latest collaboration with South African rap heavyweight Nasty C, “Alright”, received national radio exposure on Metro FM on Monday morning, 7 September 2026.
The song was played this morning at 6:52am during the popular South African breakfast show, Best Mornings with DJ Sabby, with the Metro FM host specifically identifying Manana as being from Eswatini before introducing the song to listeners.
For the Kingdom, the moment was more than just another radio play. It was another reminder of the international stature of an artist whose career has already taken him from Eswatini to the Grammy Awards, major African music platforms and collaborations with some of the continent’s most celebrated artists.
Released on 19 August 2026, “Alright” brings together Manana’s smooth, soulful vocals and Nasty C’s distinctive rap delivery, creating an emotionally rich collaboration that blends contemporary R&B, soul and hip-hop.
The song forms part of Manana’s latest album, It Really Isn’t What It Is, and has emerged as one of the project’s most high-profile collaborations, particularly because of the established reputation of both artists.
The track was produced by Manana, MODIKA and Christer, according to available track credits, giving the collaboration a polished contemporary sound that allows both artists to retain their individual identities.
Born Ndumiso Manana, his story is particularly significant because his international recognition is backed by one of music’s biggest honours.
In 2021, Manana became part of a Grammy-winning project through his songwriting contribution to Nigerian superstar Burna Boy’s acclaimed album Twice as Tall.
The album won Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards, with Manana contributing to “Time Flies” featuring Kenyan group Sauti Sol. The achievement placed the Eswatini-born songwriter among the contributors to a Grammy-winning album and became a major milestone in his already impressive musical journey.
This year also saw another major honour come his way when he was named a Standard Bank Young Artist for Music, placing him among an elite group of South African and African artists recognised for their artistic excellence and contribution to the country’s cultural landscape. Standard Bank has also confirmed that Manana is among the 2026 Young Artist Award winners who will showcase new work at this year’s Joy of Jazz.
The collaboration with Nasty C is also significant because the two artists have worked together before.
Manana featured on Nasty C’s 2023 album I Love It Here, creating a creative connection that has now developed further through “Alright”. The album featured Manana among its guest artists, reinforcing the mutual respect between the two musicians.
Nasty C, born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, has established himself as one of South Africa’s biggest rap exports, building an international following through projects including Strings and Bling, Zulu Man with Some Power, I Love It Here and Free. His career has seen him work with artists from across Africa and the United States while establishing himself as a rapper, songwriter and producer.
“Alright” therefore represents more than a high-profile feature. It is a meeting of two artists with strong individual identities who have found common ground between soulful R&B and contemporary hip-hop.
And just when “Alright” is gaining momentum, another major chapter awaits.
Manana will represent Eswatini as the only artist from the Kingdom on this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz lineup, which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 25 and 26 September 2026.
He is scheduled to perform on Saturday, 26 September, adding another prestigious stage to an already remarkable career.
From a young artist from the Kingdom to a Grammy-winning songwriter, an acclaimed solo musician, a Standard Bank Young Artist and now a collaborator with Nasty C, his career illustrates the growing ability of Eswatini-born creatives to compete and succeed at the highest levels of the African music industry.
And with “Alright” now receiving attention on one of South Africa’s biggest radio stations, Manana’s latest chapter could hardly have arrived at a more exciting time.
(Courtesy Pic)
