Black Coffee

Delectable and infused with unique flavors, these are some words to describe the musical delight that Black Coffee brings forth, with home-based African rhythms and beats mixed with futuristic, pulsating sounds. South African DJ and producer, Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, known as "Black Coffee," is a trailblazer in the African house music scene. Growing up in Durban, South Africa, his first introduction to music came from studying music theory, which cultivated his taste for melody, expanded his musical knowledge, and developed his listening skills. After finishing school, Coffee and two friends became backup vocalists for renowned Zulu folk singer, Madala Kunene, leading them to form the trio group "Shana," an abbreviation for (Simply Hot And Naturally African).

In 2003, Black Coffee emerged on the South African DJ scene as one of two selected participants in the Red Bull Music Academy. He released a song titled “Happiness” on the DJ’s At Work album, showcasing his effortless skill in reworking classic South African tunes into club music. In 2005, he debuted his reinterpreted version of Hugh Masekela’s 1974 jazz song “Stimela,” with fresh, electronic accordions, reaching a wide age demographic—a true rarity today. In the same year, he released his self-titled album, Black Coffee.

His subsequent albums include September 2007’s Have Another One, November 2009’s Home Brewed, October 2012’s Africa Rising, September 2015’s Pieces of Me, November 2018’s Music Is King, and February 2021’s Subconsciously. He has collaborated with world-renowned DJs and producers David Guetta and Delilah Montagu.

Black Coffee is a force to be reckoned with, having enjoyed every step of the journey: producing, recording, and mixing to create the sculptural balance and beauty of his work.