Black Coffee’s Humble Beginnings in Pantsula Dance Scene Revealed in Old Photo
- A throwback photo on Instagram showed a younger Black Coffee in the centre, between pantsula dancers
- The image captured the future Grammy winner staring into the camera
- The caption celebrated humble beginnings and faith, instantly going viral once followers spotted Nkosinathi Maphumulo in the middle
Source: Instagram
Johannesburg dancer Solly Phegane uploaded the vibrant photograph depicting a younger Black Coffee on November 17, 2025. The picture shows a group of young men dressed in typical early-2000s street style, standing together in an open yard.
Right in the centre, a noticeably younger Black Coffee, who now owns an R8.3-million Ferrari, stares at the camera, posing for the moment.
The post was captioned: “Look where we come from in the dancing industry. From our early ages, we did this pantsula dancing. God is watching us and he we will provide. One day we will celebrate our victory,” tagging fellow crew members @matomechiloane and @shanemaja.
See the post below:
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Fans instantly recognise Black Coffee in the middle
The reactions came thick and fast once people realised who was front and centre.
@konja_cartel commented with Black Coffee's handle:
“@blackcoffee.”
@ovowanele said:
“Black Coffee in the middle.”
@khano_harvest wrote:
“Comrade Black Coffee right there.”
@dominic.che seemed to weave in politics:
“Black Coffee ANC for me.”
@boylivinginthewoods drew inspiration, urging:
“Look at this photo if you think your dreams are impossible.”
@lesediimamabolo made sure to call the star by name:
“Black Coffee right in the centre!”
Black Coffee’s journey from township sessions to global icon
Black Coffee grew up in a musical household and moved between Durban and the Eastern Cape before settling in Johannesburg in the early 2000s. After a life-changing car accident left him with permanent paralysis in his left arm, he turned fully to music production, releasing his self-titled debut album in 2005 under Soul Candi.
His breakthrough arrived with the 2009 single We Dance Again, followed by the critically acclaimed album Home Brewed (2009) and Africa Rising (2012), which earned him multiple Metro FM and South African Music Awards. Residencies at Hï Ibiza, headline slots at Coachella (2019), Tomorrowland, and Circoloco followed, making him the first South African DJ to sell out Madison Square Garden in October 2023.
His 2021 album Subconsciously brought a Grammy nomination, and in 2024 he became the first South African artist to win the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album.
Today, Black Coffee commands some of the highest booking fees on the planet, is involved in AMIRI South Africa, and continues to mentor young producers while headlining the world’s biggest festivals.
Speaking to the success that his music and other business interests have amassed, the Grammy-winning DJ recently bought a house worth over R150 million.
Source: Getty Images
Freshly divorced, Black Coffee is in love again
After his highly publicised divorce from actress Enhle Mbali, Black Coffee has not shied away from love. Briefly News recently reported that the DJ, in a romantic moment, filmed his girlfriend driving his luxury car.
Source: Briefly News
