Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, popularly known as Black Coffee, continues to do an exceptional job at lovingly sharing his craft with the world while flying the South African flag high. 

From humble beginnings in Umlazi, the talented DJ, record producer and songwriter has paid careful attention to the rhythm of his journey and made the most of it. Today, he stands tall as a musical giant, gracing some of the biggest and most coveted international stages.

From winning a Grammy Award for his 2021 album to producing Drake’s studio album ‘Honestly, Nevermind’, Black Coffee is indeed a globally-acclaimed musical icon. 

His determination, passion for music and overall journey all serve as a reminder that it is okay to dream big and that nothing is impossible.  

Here are just five lessons we can learn from the multi- award winning musician.

Lesson 1: No man is an island 

From as early as 1994 when his musical journey began in a school choir, Black Coffee has always made it a point to place himself alongside other musically-gifted individuals. 

In his early industry days, he was one third of the musical group ‘Shana’ (an abbreviation for Simply Hot And Naturally African).

Experiencing growth as a musician, he also collaborated with various artists both locally and abroad. These include Zakes Bantwini, Bucie, David Guetta and Drake. 

Working alongside other musicians has afforded him the opportunity to learn from others, while also enabling the production of timeless tunes.

Lesson 2: Consistency is key 

As a multi-award winning DJ, patience and consistency form part of the values that underpin Black Coffee’s success. Having built his career steadily over two decades, the star had to be consistent even on the days when he was not a household name. 

The hard work and consistency which he put in during his early days as an unknown DJ contributed to who he is today.  As such, it is no mistake that he’s a prominent global name

Lesson 3: Stretch the limits 

Black Coffee’s career tells the tale of an individual who did not limit himself. He is an internationally renowned musician who has graced various international stages in destinations such as Spain and New York. This is something which may not have happened if he chose to limit himself and his craft only to his country of birth. 

By stretching his limits, Black Coffee has earned international recognition and collaborations.

Lesson 4: Don’t be afraid to be the first to ever do it

Getting the first crack at something can be quite intimidating. However, the flip-side of the coin is that it can also be very rewarding. In 2010, Black Coffee set out to do something which had never been done before when he performed for 60 hours non-stop. This earned him the Guinness World Record for the longest ever DJ set. 

Lesson 5: Practice generosity 

Generosity is important. Whether it is through our skills, time or resources; it is good to find ways in which we can be of help to others. In 2010, the talented musician founded the DJ Black Coffee Foundation which seeks to make a meaningful contribution towards nation building and the rehabilitation of South Africa. Through the foundation, he has been able to uplift destitute and disabled South Africans. 

His company, known as Flight Mode Digital, also assists and empowers African startups through investments.