The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) wishes to convey its congratulatory message to Black Coffee, the preeminent South African house and dance music maestro on earning his first Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album for Subconsciously, as announced by the Recording Academy in the US yesterday.
Black Coffee is nominated alongside Illenium (Fallen Embers), Major Lazer for Music is the Weapon (Reloaded), Marshmello for Shockwave and Sylvan Esso for Free Love.
Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, is a previous SAMA winner of Male Artist of the Year in 2019. He has conquered dance floors across the continents and legions of fans who hold him in high regard. Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 2005, Black Coffee has reached several milestones including his Africa Rising live DVD recorded at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, residency at Ibiza, performance at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and recording with Mi Casa, David Guetta and Usher.
This nomination puts Black Coffee in an exclusive league of South African musicians who have received Grammy nominations like Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Soweto Gospel Choir and Wouter Kellerman.
A hearty congratulations is also extended to flautist and composer Wouter Kellerman, a previous Grammy winner in 2015 and a multiple SAMA winner. He is nodded in the Best New Age Album category for Pangaea, a collaboration with American composer and music producer David Arkenstone.
RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi congratulated Black Coffee and Kellerman: “It is a proud moment for South Africans to see one of our own shine so brightly on some of the biggest stages of the world. A Grammy nomination is a recognition Black Coffee deserves fully and it’s already a win for the house and dance music genre that South Africa is known for the world over. We have witnessed his rise in the industry and know how far he has come with his music. We send our best wishes to Black Coffee and will be cheering him on as he takes on the best of the best in his category.
“Wouter Kellerman’s third Grammy nomination is testament of his consistency and craftsmanship. We are proud of how he is flying the South African flag and showing the world just how diverse our talent is. We are in awe of his success and we have no reason to doubt that he will bring home a Grammy next year when the winners are announced.”
