Black Coffee Wins International Award: “This One is for My People”

South African DJ Black Coffee has been named the Best International Act from Africa by the international BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, making history as the first SA artist to win an award in this category. It was his first nomination.

Black Coffee immediately tweeted: “Thank you Africa ?????????? #thisoneisformypeople #southafrica #bestinternationalartist #BETAwards16.”

Congratulatory messages have been pouring in on social media, including one from Kgosientso Ramokgopa, mayor of Tshwane, who said: “Congratulations @RealBlackCoffee. You deserve more international awards. Keep representing us. #WeAreProud #BETAwards16”

Natalie Maimane, wife of DA leader Mmusi, tweeted: “Congratulations @RealBlackCoffee !!! You make us all so proud! #GodGivenTalent #BETAwards16 #SonOfTheSoil.”

Fellow nominee Cassper Nyovest said: “Congratulations @RealBlackCoffee God Bless you & thank you for inspiring us, your journey means so much. Well deserved.”

Other nominees in the category were Wizkid and Yemi Alade (both Nigeria), AKA (South Africa), Serge Beynaud (Cote d’Ivoire), Mzvee (Ghana) and Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania).

Black Coffee’s win was announced Saturday morning in Los Angeles. The main award ceremony will be held in LA Sunday night, where Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson will be hoonoured with a lifetime achievement award, and tributes will be held for musician Prince and boxer Muhammad Ali who both passed away recently.

US hip hop star Akon has been awarded BET’s Global Good Award for his work, particularly in Africa.

On Twitter:

Thank you Africa 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 #thisoneisformypeople #southafrica #bestinternationalartist #BETAwards16

— Black Coffee (@RealBlackCoffee) June 25, 2016

🎉🎊 The winner of the Best International Act: Africa award is @realblackcoffee #BETAwards16 #BETAfricaLATakeover pic.twitter.com/EEfWDBkUXm

— BET Africa (@BET_Africa) June 25, 2016