By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
South African Nkosinathi ‘DJ Black Coffee’ Maphumulo has won his first Grammy in the category ‘Best Dance/ Electronic Album’ for ‘Subconsciously’.
This is the first time a South African producer has won or been nominated in this category.
DJ Black Coffee shared this special moment with his first-born son, both taking to the stage in crisp white suits to accept the award.
He was up against Illenium, Major Lazer, Marshmello, Sylvan Esso and Ten City for the prestigious award.
Addressing the guests and viewers at home, Black Coffee said he wanted to thank God for the gift of music, and being able to share it with the world and heal some souls.
The award-winning artist also thanked his album collaborators, including Pharrell and David Guetta, who Black Coffee says “believed in working with a smaller artist like myself and trusting me and trusting my ear.”
Black Coffee wins the Grammy for best dance/ electronic music album #GRAMMYs @RealBlackCoffee pic.twitter.com/iSdOC9A1l0
— Aria (@ariaischic) April 3, 2022
SA-born comedian Trevor Noah was a host at the awards and Johannesburg flautist, producer and composer Wouter Kellerman was nominated for a third Grammy, this time in the New Age Album category for his collaboration project Pangaea, but lost out to Stewart Copeland and Ricky Kej in the category.
Friends and fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages for Black Coffee after his historic win.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his well wishes to Maphumulo, also known as Black Coffee, for winning an award at the Grammy Awards held at Las Vegas in the United States of America last night.
“Congratulations to Black Coffee for being awarded the Best Dance/Electronic Music award for his album ‘Subconsciously’ at last night’s Grammys. Thank you for flying the flag and inspiring a new generation of talent to take over the world, “Ramaphosa said.
The DJ joins a select group of South Africans who have scooped a Grammy including legendary group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Soweto Gospel Choir with nominations only for other legendary artists Johnny Clegg and Savuka, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.
The house music muso is now one of the most decorated DJs on the African continent and the first to have won both a Grammy and a BET Award.
His work has also earned him several gongs at the South African Music Awards, Metro FM Awards, DJ Awards and Dance Music Awards.
Other key winners at the 2022 Grammy Awards:
Jazzman and bandleader Jon Batiste led the night with five awards, including Album of the Year.
Retro act Silk Sonic – the group project of Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak – won four awards, including Record and Song of the Year.
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo was named Best New Artist.
- Album of the Year: Jon Batiste, We Are
- Record of the Year (overall song performance): Silk Sonic, Leave The Door Open
- Song of the Year (best songwriting): Leave The Door Open – Brandon Anderson, Christopher Brody Brown, Dernst Emile II and Bruno Mars, songwriters (Silk Sonic)
- Best New Artist: Olivia Rodrigo
- Best Music Video: Jon Batiste, Freedom
- Best Rap Album: Tyler, The Creator, Call Me If You Get Lost
- Best Rap Performance: Baby Keem featuring Kendrick Lamar, Family Ties
- Best Rock Album: Foo Fighters, Medicine At Midnight
- Best Pop Vocal Album: Olivia Rodrigo, Sour
- Best Pop Solo Performance: Olivia Rodrigo, driver’s license
- Best Global Music Album: Angelique Kidjo, Mother Nature
- Best Music Video: Jon Batiste, Freedom.