CAPE TOWN - Congratulations have continued to pour in for super music producer Black Coffee, as he made South African history at the Grammy Awards to confirm his status as one of the best dance DJs in the world.
Born Nkosinathi Maphumulo, Black Coffee bagged the Best Dance/Electronic Music Album Grammy Award in Las Vegas for his critically acclaimed album, ‘Subconsciously’.
Wearing a cream suit, he accepted the award at the Grammy Awards in Las Vegas accompanied by his eldest son, Esona.
“I want to thank God for the gift of music and being able to share it with the world and heal some souls and help people go through whatever they are going through in life. I want to thank everyone who is on the album, from Msaki in South Africa, to David Guetta, who had believed in working with a smaller artist like myself, and trusting me and trusting my ear. Pharrell (Williams), Josie, Delilah, Una Rams and everyone who is on the album.”
The album featured international musicians Pharrell Williams, Usher, David Guetta, Delilah Montagu and also South Africans, Msaki, Una Rams, Tellaman and Sun El Musician.
It’s the first time a South African musician has won or been nominated in the Best Dance Album category at the Grammy Awards.
BET Africa took to Twitter yesterday, along with many others, to congratulate Black Coffee, saying “Congratulations to @RealBlackCoffee for winning the GRAMMY for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album. From Africa to the world!”
The Billboard Music Chart tweeted: “@RealBlackCoffee becomes the first South African producer to win and be nominated for best dance/elecronic album at the #GRAMMYs.”
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa along with President Cyril Ramaphosa also congratulated Black Coffee.
“Black Coffee has made us extremely proud. It is the first time a South African artist has won an award in this category and we are honoured that he has represented us as a nation so well,” said Mthethwa.
South African musicians are usually nominated in the Best Global Music Album, which has been won by Ladysmith Black Mambazo on five occasions and twice by the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Flautist, Wouter Kellerman has also won a Grammy for Best New Age Album.
Benin’s Angélique Kidjo won her fifth Grammy Award, winning the Best Global Music Album category for Mother Nature. In her speech, thanked her collaborators, including Yemi Alade, Burna Boy and Mr Eazi.
The Grammys were hosted by South Africa’s Trevor Noah and took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Cape Times