By Mohalenyane Phakela
MASERU — Local entertainment outfit Kuna Sounds, in collaboration with Jam Sessions, are set to host legendary South African disk jockey, Black Coffee, at Victoria Poolside on April 19.
The organisers of the event have since pitched a street banner to announce Black Coffee’s coming but details about the venue and the entrance fee are yet to be established.
DJ Tseko told the Weekender on Monday that they will announce the details by the end of the week.
“No one can deny that Black Coffee is one of the most influential musicians. That is why he is so expensive. It takes a lot to secure his booking because he is always busy,” DJ Tseko said.
“It has been a while since he rocked Lesotho because most of the local event organisers cannot afford him anymore.”
Born Nkosinathi Maphumelelo in Durban in 1976, Black Coffee’s career started in 1994 as a back-up vocalist for Madala Kunene with his then schoolmates Shota and Demor, with whom they formed Afro-pop trio Shana.
He released four albums to his name, one live DVD and a number of international songs remixes, including Macy Grey’s hit, Lately.
He debuted in 2005 with the album titled Black Coffee which won him a SAMA award for the Best Urban Dance album.
He then released his sophomore album Have Another One in 2007.
It was during this period that Black Coffee was invited to share the stage with the cream of international deejays like Osunlade, Charles Webster and Alix Alvarez in Barcelona, Spain.
His third offering Home Brewed released in 2009, won him six musical awards.
Black Coffee’s improved performance saw him being nominated at the MTV Europe awards in 2011.
That year’s highlight was when he released Africa Rising which was recorded live at Moses Mabhida Stadium with a 24-piece orchestra along with a band that performed his work.
All these led to his international tours to Sydney, Athens, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo and many other popular destinations.
Black Coffee has a music stable Soulistic Music consisting of such artistes as Culoe De Song, DJ Shimza and Lesotho’s very own Maleh (Malehloka Hlalele) .
After performing at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, 2012, Black Coffee got a ringing endorsement from American rapper and record producer, Sean “Diddy” Combs who took to Twitter and wrote: “Wherever @realBlackCoffee will be playing!! U MUST check him!!! Living LEGEND”.
The line-up will also consist of local acts DJ Alex, Mekonko, Kwakwa, Monyase, Copper and DJ Tseko.
