Black Coffee perks up fans with top award win in US
INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed DJ Black Coffee made history on Saturday when he became the first South African to win a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in Los Angeles.
Black Coffee, whose real name is Nathi Maphumulo, was one of eight African artists, who was nominated in the Best International Act – Africa category at the awards.
Other nominees included AKA (SA), Cassper Nyovest (SA), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Mzvee (Ghana), Wizkid (Nigeria), Yemi Alade (Nigeria) and Serge Beynard (Ivory Coast).
The awards took place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
Maphumulo, who grew up in Mthatha, was recently recognised by the South African Music Awards as a trailblazer for taking local music to the world.
He won Best Breakthrough Artist Award at Ibiza’s DJ Awards in Spain and has travelled the globe on a 17-country tour, spanning four continents in five months.
Maphumulo took to Instagram yesterday to thank his supports and family after claiming his award .
“For the past four or five years I have been doing tours outside my country,” he said.
“In the last two years, I even relocated my family with me while on tour to make everything work.
“Taking our South African music to places I can’t even pronounce. I am grateful to my lady and my kids for allowing me to chase my dreams unconditionally.
“A BET Award comes to our land for
the first time. This is a great honour. We did not do this alone. Thank you all for your votes.”
South African DJ Mobi Dixon said Maphumulo’s win was confirmation that South Africa produced the best house tunes in the world.
“Black Coffee has always inspired me in my journey as a house DJ and this proves that this genre of music is really leading internationally,” he said.
“I am happy to have worked with him in various events that we’ve both attended.”
Mobi Dixon said Maphumulo was an inspiration to house fanatics and the continent at large.
Twitter was abuzz on Saturday night as fans congratulated Maphumulo on his award.
MiCasa’s J’Something tweeted: “Yes. Yes. Mzansi house legend brings the BET Award home. We are proud of you man.”
Actress Dineo Moeketsi posted: “Coffee maan. Coffee. As far as inspirations it don’t get no realler than Black Coffee. May God shine more light your way.”
And sports presenter Robert Marawa tweeted: “Hard work and excellence equals Black Coffee. Congratulations for making history and winning at BET Awards”.
President Jacob Zuma also had something to say about the success.
“DJ Black Coffee continues to inspire our youth with this achievement and has now become our prime international export in the music industry,” he said.
“Our nation is immensely proud of him and this achievement in particular. We congratulate him.”