Black Coffee, the Grammy award-winning DJ, celebrated his 49th birthday in a unique way that went beyond luxury and entertainment. This star-studded event, held at LUXX Venue Sandhurst, was not just a birthday celebration but the official launch of the Black Coffee Music Academy, a transformative initiative shaping the future of music education in Africa.
The event was hosted by the popular radio personality Anele Mdoda and brought together Mzansi’s elite from various sectors. The guest list included influential figures from the entertainment, business, and government sectors, such as DJ Fresh, Fikile Mbalula, Major League DJz, and Oskido Anatii. The evening featured an opulent three-course meal curated by Chef Scott and unforgettable performances by opera sensation Zandile Mzazi and Nduduzo Makhathini, who performed some of Black Coffee’s classics on the piano.
One of the highlights of the night was the live auction led by Strauss & Co., which raised an impressive R3.1 million. The auction featured exclusive items like a limited-edition Rolex, an exclusive Hennessy XO bottle designed in collaboration with Kim Jones, and a once-in-a-lifetime Ibiza experience with Black Coffee himself. The funds raised will go towards laying the foundation for the Black Coffee Music Academy, a post-matric learning institution that aims to redefine music education in Africa.
Black Coffee shared his vision for the academy, emphasizing the importance of investing in young talent to secure the future of African music and culture. The academy’s curriculum will cover music production, the business of music, and album creation, providing young talents with the resources and industry connections they need to succeed globally.
As the night came to a close, guests gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” to Black Coffee, acknowledging not just his life and career but his commitment to empowering Africa’s future music legends. With the success of the event and the funds raised, the Black Coffee Foundation has taken a significant step towards changing the music education landscape in South Africa and beyond.
