Despite a global pandemic that’s kept him grounded more than airborne in the past two years, South African native Black Coffee (real name Nkosinathi Maphumulo) has characteristically been racking up accolades regardless.
His most recent album, Subconsciously, explored new territory for the Afro house pioneer, receiving critical acclaim and his first ever Grammy nomination to boot, while his latest project – a remix of German duo Manqo’s ‘Breaking Hearts’ – has recently been released on Crosstown Rebels, becoming a mainstay in Damian Lazarus’s sets.
We caught up with the global superstar to chat about the unstoppable force of South African dance music, his most recent UK performance at The Drumsheds, and why he’ll always miss the presence of his good friend Virgil Abloh on the dance floor.
Firstly, where are you at the moment?
I’m in sunny South Africa, my home country that I love so dearly. Current view is the sprawling, beautifully green garden of my home in Johannesburg.
Your tour schedule is usually relentless, what positives did you discover in being more still during the pandemic?
The time off gives me the opportunity to reset myself into a creative headspace, but more importantly, it gives me quality time to spend with my family and to appreciate the simple things in life.
You’ve been nominated for a Grammy for Subconsciously, how does that feel?
I’m still so blown away by this! It’s a true honour that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. To be representing South Africa on the world stage with the unparalleled support and good wishes of everyone at home – across Africa, even – rooting for me is a joy that’s hard to describe. It’s a dream come true.
Was it a surprise to receive a nomination for an album that’s more explorative than your usual sound? Does it inspire you to push your personal limits further?
I think it must always be a complete surprise when you’re nominated for a Grammy for the first time… or any time! The album is an authentic representation of my ever-evolving journey not only as a music producer but as an individual growing into his own. I pushed boundaries, took risks, and opened new windows of opportunity. It’s my hope that this raises inspiration for all around me.
“I pushed boundaries, took risks, and opened new windows of opportunity – it’s my hope this raises inspiration for all around me”
What role do awards like this play in raising awareness about dance music originating from SA?
The amount of talent surfacing from South Africa is undeniable and I feel the world is just now having the right eyes for it. I hope that my story, both of wins and struggles, inspires the next generations to follow and they know that anything is possible.
Will you be returning to Hï Ibiza and your other residencies as soon as clubs reopen?
Yes, Hï Ibiza is a very special place to me. It’s my second home. It’s where the magic happens every Saturday night. I cannot wait to be back in full force to resume my residency for an entire summer season.
How important has Ibiza been in shaping you as an artist?
Ibiza, like Subconsciously, has been a catalyst in spurring me on to break boundaries, meet opportunities fearlessly, and set the bar higher and higher for myself. A divinely unique confluence of factors in that one place, at the same time, every week for 21 consecutive weeks produces the most beautiful energy of love for the music and shared community. Being at the centre of that gives me the kind of rush I very rarely experience anywhere else in the world.
“The people in the UK really understand and connect with the music on a different level than in many places in the world”
And what stands out for you about the UK as a clubbing destination?
It’s got to be the energy… it’s unmatched! The people in the UK really understand, appreciate, and connect with the music on a different level than in many places in the world. My last show there at The Drumsheds a few weeks back was one I’ll never forget. Each play keeps getting better!
If there was any music scene you could place yourself at the centre of right now, what would it be and why?
I’m exactly where I want to be: immersed in and influenced by a multitude of music scenes without needing to physically be there… because that’s what I choose for myself. To be open-minded, receptive, and pro-active to everything around me as well as interested and engaged with the network of musically gifted peers across the world that I’m blessed to be connected with.
Clubs are being forced to close again around the world, what do you miss most about playing for a crowd and being on the circuit?
Human experience is lived in the real world. Not virtually online, not on Zoom, and not from behind your phone — that’s what I missed the most during the periods of absence from touring. It’s the moments of connection in real-time with another living being.
“Human experience is lived in the real world – not virtually online, not on Zoom, and not from behind your phone”
When the song breaks and I lock eyes with someone on the dance floor and the sense of sheer joy is palpable. Or I turn and in a split second, witness the emotion, the impact of the music on a gang of friends in my line of sight a couple of meters from the DJ booth.
It’s a million of those moments that no live stream watched remotely could ever compete with. I don’t think any of us truly recognised or valued what we had until it was taken away from us during the pandemic.
You once described house music as being part of people’s lives in South Africa, rather than being a generic scene, what did you mean by that?
Africa is the birthplace of rhythm. Music is inherent and integral to every aspect of African culture and as a people it’s our spiritual anchor, it’s the blood that courses through our veins. For my people, a life without music is unimaginable!
For that reason, do you believe in music as a tool for systemic change, politically and/or culturally?
Yes, I do. Music is a source of joy, hope, strength, perseverance, and determination. I believe music alone is able to transcend any and all boundaries, divisions and differences. Music brings people together and fosters community. Music unifies.
With that in mind, what are your hopes for 2022?
I hope 2022 will at the very least signal the beginning of the end of humanity’s two-year struggle with Covid-19. The suffering, loss, turmoil, and uncertainty has taken an inordinate toll on our collective global psyche. My wish for all of us in 2022 is a much more peaceful year filled with joy, rapture, smiles and music.
Your most recent collaboration with Manqo will be adding to that pool, how did that collaboration come about?
Getting on board with this Manqo / Crosstown Rebels remix was really a no-brainer for me. I hold Damian Lazarus in high regard and it took just a single listen to the original which I resonated with instantly for me to accept.
Any words of advice you would give your younger self?
Trust your dopeness!
And if you could choose three clubbing buddies for life, who would they be and why?
My eldest son, Esona, my dearly loved and deeply missed friend Virgil Abloh and fellow countryman, DJ and partner in crime, Themba.
Manqo ‘Breaking Hearts’ with a Black Coffee remix is released 26th November on Crosstown Rebels with the buy link.
