NEW YORK. — South African DJ Black Coffee’s sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden has been labelled a historic moment for SA arts and music.
Black Coffee took to New York’s world-famous stage on Saturday, becoming the first SA DJ and producer to headline at The Garden.
The Grammy winner celebrated the sold-out show on X (formerly known as Twitter); he wrote: “We did it”.
The DJ joined a long list of legendary acts who have performed at the iconic venue, including Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and many others.
Ahead of his performance, Black Coffee expressed his excitement and disbelief to News24.
“It’s probably gonna hit me next week,” he said.
“This was history in the making, a proud South African moment. Black Coffee has taken (South Africa’s) most precarious export, music, to a global audience in a way never seen in recent history,” Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa told News24.
“(The Department) is making sure that we support arts and creatives alike and create an environment for them to thrive globally; hence, we need to celebrate and recognise their achievements. I am absolutely proud of his achievements,” Kodwa added.
Kodwa also praised Black Coffee in a statement by the department.
“Mr Zizi Kodwa expresses his pride as South African musician Mr Nkosinathi Maphumulo, popularly known as Black Coffee, delivers the headline performance at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City, United States,” the statement said.
In April, the DJ was among the South African Grammy winners honoured by Kodwa for achievements on the global stage.
Kodwa said in the statement:
“From the streets of Umlazi and Mthatha to the world’s most famous music arenas, Nkosinathi, you are an inspiration to the young and old. You continue to scale the great heights of world music, taking along with you the best of South African music.”
“Black Coffee headlining at Madison Square Garden is historic and shows the endless possibilities of South African musicians.
“We commit ourselves to open the global audience to our artists,” he added.
The Minister also apologised for not being able to attend the show:
“I am sorry I could not join you on your big day at Madison Square Garden, but I join millions of South Africans supporting you on your journey.”
Black Coffee was supported by the amapiano duo Major League DJz at his performance and had several special appearances set for the night, including Bucie, Delilah Montagu, Maxine Ashley, Monique Bingham, Mr. V, Msaki, Portia Monique, Shoba, Soul Star, Roland Clark, Zoe Kypri and Whomadewho.
Various famous personalities also took to social media to celebrate his achievement.
SA musician Oskido posted a pic of himself with Black Coffee on Instagram with the caption:
“Mission impossible accomplished… Nothing is impossible for you.
“I respect the way you treat every task and face every challenge. Congratulations (Black Coffee).” — News24