Black Coffee Profile - Biography,  Career Beginnings & Achievements, Personal Life, Songs and Awards

Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo whose staege name is Black Coffee is a renowned South African DJ, Songwriter and Record producer. Black Coffee has his own record label which he named Soulist Music.His journey began in the mid-1990s, and he gained prominence following his involvement in the 2004 Red Bull Music Academy. He has since launched nine studio albums, along with a live DVD. His first self-titled album, "Black Coffee," was released in 2005, and it was a blend of R&B and jazz elements. Having accumulated nearly two decades of experience in the industry, he has an extensive discography that includes numerous albums, singles, and remixes. His achievements include the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album, solidifying his prominent position in the world of electronic music.

Early Life and Career

Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo was born in eThekwini, South Africa, on March 11, 1976. He later relocated to Umtata, a town situated 29 kilometers away from Nelson Mandela's Qunu village, and settled in the Ngangelizwe township. On February 11, 1990, during celebrations of Nelson Mandela's release, Coffee was involved in a taxi accident that resulted in a brachial plexus injury, causing the loss of the use of his left arm.

Nkosinathi pursued a major in Jazz Studies at Technikon Natal, which is now known as the Durban University of Technology. During this period, he worked as a backup singer for Madala Kunene, alongside his schoolmates at the time: Mnqobi Mdabe (Shota) and Thandukwazi Sikhosana (Demor). Later on, Nkosinathi, Shota, and Demor united to create an Afro-pop trio named SHANA, an acronym for "Simply Hot and Naturally African." The group was signed to Melt 2000, which was under the leadership of Robert Trunz.

In 2003, Nkosinathi had the honor of being selected as one of the two South African representatives at the Red Bull Music Academy, propelling him into the vibrant South African dance music scene. His breakthrough moment arrived with the inclusion of his track 'Happiness' on the 'DJs at Work' album.

Black Coffee rose to fame in 2005 with the release of his inaugural remix of Hugh Masekela's 1972 classic, "Stimela." During that same year, he introduced his self-titled debut album, which included tracks from notable South African artists such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Hugh Masekela, and Busi Mhlongo. His work garnered widespread acclaim in his home country, and he swiftly earned the reputation of a "rising star" in the music scene.

Personal Life

Black Coffee was previously married to Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, an actress and television presenter. They first met in 2010 while working on a music video for one of his songs. Introduced by a mutual friend, they instantly connected and tied the knot in 2011. However, their marriage faced challenges, and they eventually separated in 2019. As of now, Black Coffee is single and not involved in any romantic relationships.

Black Coffee is a father of four children: Esona and Lilitha, from a prior relationship, and Anesu and Asante, from his marriage with actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa. In all in his kids, Esona Maphumulo, DJ Black Coffee's eldest son, loves music like his father. 

When did Black Coffee Start his Career?

Black Coffee began his DJing journey at the young age of 17. In 1994, he became a part of his cousin's sound system crew, where he showcased his skills at various parties and events. 

In 2003, he got an opportunity to be one of the two South African representatives at the Red Bull Music Academy. This experience opened doors for him in the international dance music scene.

In an interview with BBC News, Black Coffee shared the origin of his stage name. He explained that his grandmother used to affectionately call him "black coffee" during his childhood due to his dark complexion, and this childhood nickname ultimately became his artistic identity.

Albums

Since 2005, Black Coffee has been prolific in his musical career, releasing the following albums, DVDs, singles, and remixes under his Soulistic Music label. His notable albums includes:

Black Coffee (2005)

Have Another One (2007)

Home Brewed (2009)

Africa Rising DVD (2012)

Africa Rising CD (2012)

Pieces of Me (2015)

The Journey Continues EP (2016)

Music Is King EP (2018)

Subconsciously (2021)

Some of his notable songs also includes Superman, Time, Stuck in You Love, Ilala, Even Though, Arise and Shine, The Beat of Indlamu and Adio Mare, amongst many others.

Awards

Black Coffee has amassed a remarkable collection of awards and nominations throughout his career. These include:

Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album.

BET Award for Best International Act: Africa

South African Music Award for Best Dance Album

South African Music Award for Collaboration of the Year

DJ Award for Best Breakthrough

South African Music Award for International A

South African Music Award for Male Artist of the Year

South African Music Award for Best Engineered Album

South African Music Award for Album of the Year

DJ Award for Best Deep House

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