DEVELOPING STORY: South African DJ and music producer Black Coffee, who made history by winning a Grammy award for best dance/electronic album in 2022, has been involved in a severe flight accident that left him with injuries.

According to a statement posted on his Instagram account on Wednesday, the incident occurred on his flight to his show, a club in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

“Black Coffee was involved in a severe travel accident on a flight enroute to his scheduled show in Mar del Plata,” the statement read. “The incident resulted in unforeseen complications and left him with some injuries.”

The statement did not disclose the details of the accident or the nature of his injuries but confirmed that he was receiving the best possible medical attention and was surrounded by a supportive family and team. The statement also requested privacy and patience from the media and his fans and expressed optimism about his recovery. “Despite the challenges presented, Black Coffee is optimistic and recovering well!” the statement said.

Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, is one of the most successful and influential artists in the African music scene. He has collaborated with global stars such as Drake, David Guetta, Pharrell Williams, Usher, and Alicia Keys, and has performed at prestigious festivals and venues around the world, such as Coachella, Tomorrowland, and the Apollo Theater.

In 2022, he became the first African artist to win a Grammy award in the best dance/electronic album category, for his seventh studio album, subconsciously. The album features a diverse range of sounds and styles, blending his signature Afro-house beats with pop, R&B, soul, and hip-hop influences. He described the album as “home-brewed but future focused” and said he wanted to make it accessible to as many people as possible.

Black Coffee has also been a vocal advocate for the recognition and representation of African music on the global stage and has used his platform to support and mentor emerging talents from the continent. He has also been involved in various philanthropic and social causes, such as education, health, and environmental issues.

His fans and fellow artists have expressed their shock and concern over the news of his accident and have sent him messages of love and support on social media. Many have also wished him a speedy and full recovery and hoped to see him back on the decks soon.