Inspirational: Black Coffee started off with R10 gigs in 2009

South African musician Black Coffee is one of only a few locals to have bagged himself a Grammy Award. Over the years, his brand has grown exponentially and seen him work with international stars like Drake, David Guetta, and Usher.

While he is currently enjoying the spoils of his hard work and dedication, it wasn’t always sunshine and roses for the talented DJ.

In fact, a 2009 poster from one of his gigs has gone viral. According to the 15-year-old poster, Black Coffee used to perform at events that charged only R10 as an entrance fee.

According to some, he only charged around R1500 to play those days. This is certainly a far cry from the R5.5 million he reportedly charges for a performance these days.

OLD BLACK COFFEE POSTER LEAVES PEEPS INSPIRED

Local star Black Coffee — real name Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo — is arguably one of the country’s most successful musicians.

In 2022, he won a Grammy Award and a year later, performed at New York City’s indoor arena. He has also worked with some of SA’s best artists and several international musicians.

Earlier this week, he celebrated his 48th birthday surrounded by the rich and famous.

NOT ALWAYS THIS FANCY

While he is worth millions now, he wasn’t always this successful.

Like many in the entertainment industry, the legendary disk jockey started off his career doing small gigs.

In fact, an old poster of one of his gigs from 2009 has popped up on social media. According to the poster, Black Coffee was performing at an event that charged only an R10 entrance fee — with ladies free before 8 pm.

These days, one has to fork out thousands to see him perform and millions to have him perform at a private event.

SA IS INSPIRED

Needless to say, his “glow up” has left his South African fans super proud. Many of them reflected on how far he has come and how much he has grown as a musician.

“Never despise the days of little beginning… Everything good will come. Just keep on putting in the hard work,” one person wrote while another said:

“Entrance was for free at Europa in Pretoria. He’d play on a Thursday. Indeed, great things start small.”

“Blessed when God blesses a man he starts him from Humble beginnings. Never doubt your starting point keep on champs,” a third added encouragingly.

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