Projecting DJ Black Coffee, life & achievement

Original Story

Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, known as DJ Black Coffee, is now Africa’s most popular DJ. His story, like many others, is one of determination and success.

DJ Black Coffee was born on March 11, 1976, in Thekwine, South Africa. He later moved to Umtata, near Nelson Mandela’s Qunu village, where he grew up in the Ngangelizwe township.

In 1990, during the celebration of Nelson Mandela’s release, Maphumulo was injured in a car accident, leaving him with a brachial plexus injury and unable to use his left arm. Despite this setback, he pursued his education and dreams.

Education and Career

DJ Black Coffee studied Jazz at Technikon Natal, now known as the Durban University of Technology. He began his career as a backup singer for Madala Kunene and later formed the Afro-pop trio SHANA with friends Mnqobi Mdobe and Thandukwazi Sikhosana. They were signed to Melt 200, headed by Robert Trunz.

In 2003, DJ Black Coffee was selected as one of two South Africans for the Red Bull Music Academy. His breakthrough came with his song “Happiness” featured on the DJs at Work album. He launched his career in 2005 with a remix of Masekela’s “Stimela” and released his debut album, “Black Coffee,” founding his record company, Soulistic Music.

In 2007, Black Coffee gained recognition in South Africa’s DJ scene with tribal music. He released his second studio album, “Have Another One,” featuring hits like “Wathula Nje.” His third album, “Home Brewed,” was released in 2009.

DJ Black Coffee attempted to break the Guinness World Record in 2010,  by performing non-stop for 60 hours. He won two South African Music Awards and performed at festivals like Coachella and Ultra Music Festival.

 He contributed to Drake’s album “More Life” and collaborated with David Guetta on the single “Drive.” His EP “Music Is King” received critical acclaim in 2017.

 Black Coffee released his seventh studio album, “Subconsciously,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2021, and in October 2021, he produced a remake of Mpho Sebina’s “Too Late for Mama” and collaborated with &ME, Keinemusik on “Rapture Pt. III,” which charted on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Song chart.

Personal Life

DJ Black Coffee has four children with two healing from ex-wife and the other two from his other relationship.

Awards and Nominations

Throughout his career, DJ Black Coffee has won numerous awards, including South African Music Awards, DJ Awards, and a Grammy Award.

Awards and Nominations

Despite challenges, DJ Black Coffee’s journey has made him Africa’s most successful DJ, captivating audiences worldwide.

Story By: Eunice Adjei