What’s Hot: The day that changed Black Coffee’s life

By ZAlebs | 11.02.2016 | Uncategorized Last Updated On 21.06.2026

What’s Hot: The day that changed Black Coffee’s life

Nkosinathi “Black Coffee” Maphumulo has come a long way since a fateful day in February 1990 that almost ended his music dreams.

The popular DJ took to Instagram on Thursday to reminisce about a horrific accident that left the nerve network in his left arm damaged.

The Pieces of Me hitmaker had been out celebrating the release of struggle hero Nelson Mandela in February 1990, when tragedy struck. 

“Round about this time 26 years ago I was hospitalized after the accident that left with a brachial plexus injury…it was the day the Great Nelson Mandela was released from jail…It was a big day for the country and the world at large…It was the People’s long life Dream coming true…. While I was out celebrating this moment my world was turned upside down,” he said on Instagram.

The then 13-year-old was seriously injured when a taxi driver collided with a crowd of people celebrating Mandela’s release on the streets of Mthatha. 

READ:  Mbali Mlotshwa on being married to Black Coffee

But the teenager did not let the accident end his dreams of becoming a disc jockey, and making it big in the music industry. 

“All my dreams of being involved in music were shattered on this day…but faith kept me going, it kept me alive…. I use to hate this day…. every year it would depress me, but I’ve come a long way since then. I’ve learnt so much about myself and I now celebrate this day as it changed my life…because of this day, I’ve learnt to push all the limits…I’ve worked twice as hard to realize my dreams in music…..and today [26] years later I’m shooting a cover for @ellemagazinesa for their #20thbirthday issue celebrating fashion and Music…..Keep the faith….ALWAYS”

Read: Black Coffee and Mbali’s romantic getaway

 

Round about this time 26 years ago I was hospitalized after the accident that left with a Brachial Plexus injury…..it was the day the Great Nelson Mandela was released from jail….It was a big day for the the Country and the World at large..It was the People’s long life Dream coming true….While I was out Celebrating this moment my world was turned upside down…all my dreams of being involved in Music were shattered on this day…but Faith kept me going it kept me alive…..I use to hate this day….every year it would depress me but I’ve come a long way since then I’ve learnt so much about myself and I now celebrate this day as it changed my life….because of this day I’ve learnt to push all the limits…I’ve worked twice as hard to realize my dreams in Music…..and today 16 years later I’m shooting a cover for @ellemagazinesa for their #20thbirthday issue celebrating Fashion and Music…..Keep the Faith….ALWAYS

A photo posted by realblackcoffee (@realblackcoffee) on

Image credit: Instagram/realblackcoffee

Written by Editorial Team

The ZAlebs editorial team brings you the latest in South African celebrity news, entertainment, music and lifestyle. We cover the stories Mzansi is talking about with speed, accuracy and a finger firmly on the pulse of local pop culture.

Published on 11.02.2016
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