Mzansi’s music asset
EXCLUSIVE: SOUTH AFRICA’S HOUSE MUSIC GIANT SPEAKS ABOUT GROWING HIS ALREADY ESTABLISHED BRAND Growing up misunderstood, Black Coffee feels no need to explain himself anymore.
He is one of a few South African talents that needs no introduction, not only on his home soil but in Africa and abroad.
Born as Nkosinathi Maphumulo, South African artistic record producer and multi-award winning DJ Black Coffee is a talent that never seizes to make all the right waves in the music industry, achieving much and helping others grow along the way.
He takes time to share a bit about his past achievements, the music industry, growth and family.
THE INDUSTRY
Although Black Coffee says he appreciates the platform he has received to share his music with the world and open a recording company, Soulistic Music, the respected DJ indicates that there is still a lot that can be done to advance the music industry, specifically from a social point of view.
“It takes a lot to be an artist in South Africa, given our past,” he said. “Everything is still very much new to us. Having access to a lot of things and not enough in- formation has become an issue,” he pointed out, further explaining that socially, artists need a space were information can be shared with them.
“We need a platform where musicians can have workshops and be taught, even on how to handle their lives.”
BET
“Winning a BET award last year for me meant that we are on the right path,” he said, explaining that his ultimate goal is to make it on the world stage.
“I think like many other awards, it has its own weight. Nonetheless, it encourages me to move forward.”
The man who is arguably the most prominent electronic music producer in Africa says after his many hits, it’s hard to pinpoint which song put him on the map.
Instead he feels it’s about the contribution of the many talented musicians he has had the privilege to work with.
“I worked a lot with different people who contributed to the kind of musician I am today, but if I had to name a song I would say Superman with Bucie.”
GROWTH
Having been given his own stage at the Ultra Music festival, an electronic music festival taking place today, Black Coffee says the achievement is still very much surreal to him, but remains one of the many big opportunities that he has been blessed with.
“I’ve been travelling a lot, but I’m always in denial about the gigs I get outside,” he said.
“I’m trying not to have a South African sound but an international one.
“I’m searching for a sound that both white and black people can identify with. It’s been a wonderful journey.”
The music giant says although he values the fact that people love his music, Ultra will allow him to bring out the grown up Black Coffee he says he is ready to give his fans musically.
“I just want to indicate to my fans that I have been learning,” he said.
Coffee says having just signed for residency in Ibiza (one of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, well known for the lively nightlife), which starts in June, affords him a new and diverse platform.
“I plan on bringing something different to the island. I want to showcase South African music, and try to find the sound that would represent South Africa and who I am.
“I’m looking forward to the experience,” he pointed out.
PRESSURE
Being a household name, and a musician Mzansi is proud to call its own, the 40-year-old says he doesn’t allow that to put too much pressure on him, indicating that he pushes himself hard enough on his own.
“I hate to say that I’m a perfectionist, but I like being ready, hence I don’t think anybody can put pressure on me more than I do myself,” he explained, adding that travelling is usually what puts most pressure on him.
“I handle it well, though, and manage to strike a balance between it and family time.
“Everyone has to have time with their family.
“It’s often about time management. For me my work is mostly during the weekend, so weekdays I do my daddy duties,” he pointed out.
BEING MISUNDERSTOOD
“I think I grew up being a very misunderstood kid, and I’m used to that right now,” he said.
Known as a man of few words, the musician says throughout his childhood most people misjudged him.
“If I don’t talk, people draw conclusions. I have a brain, and I know how to use it, but right now I don’t feel a need to explain myself,” he pointed out, indicating that back in the day this wasn’t always the case.
“People have their own ideas of who Nkosinathi is, and it’s fine with me.”
“We need a platform where musicians can have workshops and be taught, even on how to handle their lives.