NC Dread
A Singjay, Songwriter and performer with a distinctive delivery style and an ability to flow and ride on any Riddim, NC Dread is undoubtedly one of the popular Dancehall artists in the continent who is widely recognized as South Africa’s King of Dancehall.
As one of the select few successful Dancehall artists in South Africa his accolades – Dancehall Awards, nominations and collaborations with Africa’s finest – are an audio and visual testament to his dedication to the craft and commitment to a broader vision of African Unity through music.
Born Edward Makume in Tshikondeni in Limpopo province – moved to Zimbabwe in his infancy, returned to SA after high school to do his Post Grad – NC has always known that his life journey would lead to a career in music, although he is an Auditor by profession. He started out singing in acapella groups reminiscent of Boyz II Men and Az Yet and his love for music drove him to write and perform songs wherever the opportunity presented itself. It was in the 90’s when he was introduced to Reggae music that his passion for the genre grew and propelled him to take his craft seriously. His musical ear was infused with the sounds of Wyne Wonder who had a lot of influence in his style and delivery.
He recorded his first single in 2012 which brought him exposure in the Dancehall scene, but it was not until 2013 when he released his mixtape “This is Who I Am”, that got him exposure on a national level, that he finally launched his career as a Dancehall Artist.
AWARDS
Ever since then he has grown musically and has amassed a growing fan base throughout the continent. His career has been boosted by the recognition not only with audiences but also from the industry and his peers alike. He has won several awards including Reggae Album of the Year, three-time SA Dancehall Song of the Year, and SA Reggae Dancehall Artist of the Year. In 2016 he was a finalist at the prestigious Bass Awards held in Ghana under African Artist of the Year. In 2018 he was nominated in the Ghana SA Music Awards under the Best Southern African Artist category.
HITMAKER
He has a catalog of chart topping hits including ‘On Fire’, ‘Born fi dis’, ‘Godfidence’, ‘Celebrate’, ‘Look to You’, ‘Fire Burn Dem’, ‘Always’, ‘Praise’, ‘I Know’, ‘Dem Cah Stop Me’, ‘Party Tun Up’, ‘Rich Again’ as well as some massive international collaborations featuring fellow heavyweights Wyre (Kenya), Shatta Wale (Ghana), Chico (Jamaica), AK Songstress (Ghana), Nkulee Dube (South Africa), Seyi Shay (Nigeria), Peter Miles (Uganda), Eye Judah (Ghana), General Pype (Nigeria).
NC Dread’s biggest project to date was the massive collaboration in the history of reggae dancehall music in South Africa. BADDEST, released in August 2017, the biggest collaboration song among Africa’s Dancehall stars. It features 9 artists from seven countries, bringing together the continent’s Dancehall heavyweights on one track. The single came from the Riddim Album: BAD TALK co-produced by South Africa’s Bashment Music and French/Suriname’s DJ Wallas. Befittingly, ‘Baddest’ was listed on the Global Reggae Charts in the same year.
RADIO PLAY
NC Dread music has been featured in South Africa’s mainstream radio stations like Metro FM, YFM, Cape FM and 5FM. He is also a regular on radio stations across Africa, Australia, Europe, Jamaica and the USA. His monstrous hit ‘On Fire’ was play listed on Hot 97 in New York where it was debuted by the legendary Massive B sound. His 2018 single, ‘Steal My Woman’ made it to the Africa Top 40 Weekly charts on TransAfrica Radio.net and went on to stay for 4 weeks. The single also premiered in Ghana at the popular Yaad Settings show on hitz1039fm, hosted by King Lagazee, multi award winning selector who refers to NC Dread as the King of Southern Africa Dancehall. A humbling compliment coming from a renowned reggae personality in Africa.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
NC Dread’s music crossed borders with his very first official single, Always, which was produced by multi award Producer, Rvssian. The tune was quickly followed up by his first chart topper, Dem Cah Stop Mi, produced the Jamaican powerhouse, Fras Twinz. With that came signing with 21st Hapilos Inc, the leading reggae dancehall digital distributor in the world. NC Dread’s music found its way to all corners of the world and he was able to travel to Greece, UK, Russia, UAE, Angola, Nigeria, Congo, spreading his homegrown dancehall vibes.
Guided by his personal ethos – Hard work always pays off – NC is on a mission to live and give musically without limitation. His commitment towards African Unity goes beyond expectations. He brings a welcome flavor and freshness to Reggae Dancehall in Southern Africa. NC is signed to the African reggae dancehall vanguard, Bashment Music SA outta Johannesburg who have a distribution agreement with 21st Hapilos Inc. in New York. He is based in Cape Town where he lives with his wife and two adorable kids
INFO
Name: Edward Makume
Stage Name NC Dread
Born 26 Nov 1981
Occupation Auditor, Musician
Genre: Reggae Dancehall
Label: Bashment Music SA
Years Active 2010 – Present
Bookings bashmentsoundsa@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
DISCOGRAPHY
This Is Who I Am (Mixtape) (2013)
Hustle – The Album (2015)
AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS:
2014 Dancehall Single of The Year – MzansiReggae
2015 Dancehall Single of The Year – DRMA (Dancehall Reggae Awards SA)
2015 Artist of The Year – DRMA
2015 Album of The Year – DRMA
2016 Dancehall Single of The Year – MzansiReggae
2016 Best African Act Nominee – Bass Awards,Ghana
2018 Best Southern African Artist Nominee – Ghana SA Music Awards
VIDEO
PRESS
NC Dread nominated at the Ghana SA Music Awards 2018
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