Grammy-winning DJ and producer Black Coffee turned his 49th birthday into a night of luxury, music, and philanthropy, using the celebration to launch a game-changing initiative—the Black Coffee Music Academy. Held at the exclusive LUXX Venue in Sandhurst, Johannesburg, the star-studded event raised an impressive R3.1 million to fund the academy, which aims to transform music education in South Africa.
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A vision for the future of African music
For Black Coffee (Nkosinathi Maphumulo), this event was more than just a birthday party—it was a statement about the potential of the arts.
“I want to send the message to parents with gifted musical kids that you can make money and be very successful in the arts. We have future award winners out there, and the world needs to see them,” he said.
The Black Coffee Music Academy will provide post-matric education tailored for aspiring musicians, covering music production, the business side of the industry, and album creation.
“This will be a different kind of tertiary institution, something South Africa hasn’t had before,” he added.
An unforgettable evening of entertainment and generosity
Hosted by Anele Mdoda, the black-tie gala attracted a mix of South African entertainment, business, and government heavyweights. Guests included DJ Fresh, Major League DJz, Oskido, Anatii, Dr Tamaryn Green, Ze Nxumalo, and Somizi Mhlongo, who made several generous bids during the event’s auction.
The evening featured a curated three-course meal by Chef Scott, with live performances from opera singer Zandile Mzazi, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, and youth group Biko’s Manna—South Africa’s breakout stars from America’s Got Talent.
The auction that raised millions
One of the night’s biggest highlights was the charity auction, led by Strauss & Co., which featured:
- A signature Nelson Makamo artwork
- Luxury sneakers
- Exquisite fine jewellery
- A limited-edition Rolex watch
The showstopper of the evening was an exclusive Hennessy XO bottle, designed in collaboration with fashion legend Kim Jones. With only four of these bottles in Africa, this was the last available one—a true collector’s item.
Thanks to generous bidders, both in the room and online, the auction raised R3.1 million—an unprecedented contribution towards the academy’s development.
“We are thrilled with the generosity shown tonight. Raising R3.1 million means we can take the first steps in physically building the Black Coffee Music Academy,” said Lungie Maphumulo, CEO of the Black Coffee Foundation.
Building a legacy through education
With this funding, Black Coffee is setting the foundation for a new era in African music education.
“Education is the foundation of growth, and by investing in young minds, we are securing the future of our music and culture. This academy is about building an impactful legacy for the next generation of African music stars,” he said.
As the evening concluded, guests joined in to sing “Happy Birthday” to the music icon, celebrating not just his career but his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next wave of talent. With R3.1 million raised, the Black Coffee Foundation has taken a bold step toward changing the landscape of music education in South Africa.
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Featured Image: Getty
