"I thank God for the gift of music, for blessing me with a healthy family, a wonderful group of friends and fans from all corners of the world. I remain in awe of his grace and mercy, and would like to extend my gratitude."
Black Coffee's acceptance speech at the 2022 Grammys was spoken from the heart. Recent recipient of the award for Best Dance Album at the decorated music award show for Subconsciously, Black Coffee continues to chalk up career accolades.
His words painted a man at the height of success, emboldened by his faith, yet completely humbled by his appreciation. God's work.
We have known for a long time, but for the more casual spectator, this was the biggest sign yet that the man born Nkosinathi Maphumulo had arrived on the world stage. Mic drop.
This coming weekend, Black Coffee embarks on his fourth summer as host of Hï Ibiza's Saturday night. The ideal opportunity, then, to take a deeper look at what the party is all about.
An appointment from God
Black Coffee has attained god-like status in his homeland. In South Africa, he is viewed widely as one of the nation's foremost music ambassadors. His residency at Hï Ibiza has played no small part in cementing that.
Brows were furrowed when Black Coffee was unveiled as Hï Ibiza's first resident in 2017. It was seemingly a booking out of leftfield that took many off guard.
But TNL's appointment should never have been questioned.
It's little wonder Black Coffee is a man of faith. 32 year ago, a near-fatal car accident rendered his left-arm permanently paralysed. That he survived at all, let alone managed to carve-out a music career on the global stage, is a sign of holy intervention. Black Coffee feels blessed.
Black Coffee is a mere mortal man, but we can understand why anybody who visits on Saturday nights might attribute supernatural qualities.
Black Coffee's kingdom
Stepping into The Theatre on Saturday nights is like discovering a new world with new sights and new cultures. It's a place where music, lighting and dancers come together in a dazzling display of synergy. You will struggle not to get swept-up in the majesty of the moment.
The spectacle is like something you might expect taken from the Marvel universe of Wakanda. The backdrop emits a radiating glow and all around you is bursting with colour. The production and sound is totally cinematic in execution.
Rich with the vibrant colours of the continent, this sensory feast is brought together through the soundtrack. Naturally, Black Coffee closes the party each and every week, but with guests ranging from keinemusik to DJ Tennis, Red Axes to Henrik Schwarz, you are guaranteed electronic music of the highest order. Deep in texture and with influences from around the world.
Further more, our gracious host prefers to play at ground level, so he feels at one with the citizens of The Theatre dancefloor. Thus bringing him closer to the soul of the club.
Welcome to Black Coffee's kingdom.
The sorcerer next door
For 2022, Damian Lazarus is Black Coffee's trusted liege in the Club Room.
Eternal alchemist Lazarus will be concocting spells and weaving dark magic, along with a brew of handpicked guests - many taken from his Crosstown Rebels music stable.
From his concept parties Day Zero and Rebel Rave through to his work with The Ancient Moons, Lazarus is an artist who participates in the art of storytelling. The stars point to this new residency fulfilling those same principles.
Take a cosmic trip with Damian Lazarus every week in the Club Room - the perfect foil to Black Coffee next door.
There you have it. Otherworldly magic promised across both rooms on Saturday nights at Hï Ibiza. The holy divinity of Black Coffee shines everlasting.
Weekly Saturday sermons start 14 May. Tickets for all 21 dates are on sale below.
