Some people just like their Coffee Black; The Century Room Series

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I was already tired, but I knew that there was no way I was going to miss this event. Black Coffee was coming to town, and even though I had worked a full day, I had to be there for this. So, I am sure your wondering, who is Black Coffee, and why was it of such importance to be where he was at? Grab yourself a drink, and let’s talk Toronto Nightlife.

There are two important elements to this story, and once these elements are clarified, you will have a better understanding as to why my grown ass self was out on a Wednesday night, instead of snuggled in my warm bed. Black Coffee (born Nkosinathi Maphumulo) is a South African Record producer and Dj and is arguably the most remarkable electronic music producer in Africa. What makes this man such a formidable being, is the fact that at a young age, Black Coffee was involved in a taxi accident that left him without the use of his left arm. The accident happened to occur on a very significant day in South Africa; it was on the day of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. These two events interlaced and changed the course of Black Coffee’s life forever. Although life was heavy for a while, he remains grateful for how the day shaped his life, and he celebrates this day. He made a promise to himself to explore all his talents, and to do everything God wanted him to do.

His official career began around 1995, and he has released explosive albums, he was chosen as a participant in the 2004 Red Bull Music Academy held in Cape Town, and in 2015, he won the Breakthrough DJ of the Year Award in Ibiza. With only one arm, Black Coffee has been able to achieve heights in his career that surpass the average imagination. This is exactly why I had to see this man for myself when he made his return to Toronto for the Century Room Series. Black Coffee has just released a 7-track EP that has reenergized the underground music world and reminded us that he has not completed his evolution. There was a beauty to the sound; it held futuristic tones, and the drums have a way of making you forget that you are surrounded by hundreds of people, each in their own worlds; true Afropolitan house music.

It was very important to understand Black Coffee, now, let’s introduce the cream. Ralf Madi is one of the biggest names in Contemporary Urban Culture. If you want to know what is happening in the urban culture scene, Madi would be the man to ask. Madi and his team are the ones responsible for the monthly arrival of King West’s longstanding weekday event series. They call them the weekdays that become the weekend inside Everleigh located at 580 King St W, Toronto, Ontario. His events remain highlights because of the work that Madi puts in. He says that anyone who wants to live a life of partying can do it and survive if they are determined and follow some rules of the trade.

His life in the entertainment industry started early. His first attempt was at 17 years old when he decided to throw a birthday party for himself at a local Mississauga club. He was ingenious at such a young age and bartered with the owner of the club; he promised to bring in the biggest crowd possible in return for waiving the cover charge. The club owners would then be able to make their money through bar sales. As his popularity and success grew, he moved onto larger venues, and finally made it, filling one of the largest entertainment venues in Toronto at that time, the Guvernment.

His successes have not slowed him down, nor has it made him cocky. He continues to adhere to the rules of the trade and has evolved along beside them. He reminds people who are interested in getting into this industry to:

• Do it for the passion, not the money. The money will come in time
• Stay one step ahead of your competition; play chess, not checkers
• Be a trendsetter
• Stay aware of what makes the youngest demographic click because they are your future customers.
• Keep it personal and maintain direct contact with as many clients as you can

Many of us business owners could learn a thing or two from Ralf Madi. You can check him out at http://www.ralfmadi.com/. Thank you again for making it an experience. My morning coffee with cream, please!