Remember how last year Black Coffee revealed plans to build a school dedicated to music, fashion and art with designer Laduma Ngxokolo and artist Nelson Makamo?
Black Coffee has worked with some of the world’s most prominent artists, won international awards and even rides to gigs in a private jet. So, what else is there to do? Well, build a whole neighbourhood apparently. Well, the project is still on track and *spoiler alert* it’s going to be part of an entire community. Think Braams or Maboneng, but on that Black Coffee tip.
The DJ split the tea, in an interview with Billboard recently, explaining that he’s going to turn a deserted part of Johannesburg into an artist mecca.
“We’ve been working on building a piece of music, art and fashion school in a deserted part of Johannesburg as a collaboration between myself and fellow South Africans artist Nelson Makamo and clothing designer Laduma Ngxokolo with the hope of turning the neighbourhood around. Once the school project is complete, with our partners, we endeavour to take this even further and establish an entire neighbourhood.”
Dude said he’s teaming up with designer Virgil Abloh (Yes! THAT Virgil Abloh) and SA architecture firm SAOTA to build the school and told the neighbourhood will have space for everyone, even those of us who can’t draw to save our lives.
“The opportunities and spaces will offer cultural experiences, boutique stores, restaurants and a learning centre,” he added. Black Coffee has previously said the school will “create jobs for students straight out of the academy.”
“For music, if you get admitted as a student, you also receive a recording contract, and you’ll be taught about music, branding and social media, music business and more. The second year, you (will) release your first single. In your final year, you work on your album and launch it at your final recital,” he added.
In the meantime, we’ll just be waiting for his upcoming tracks with Pharrell and Akon, while hoping for a lift in the jet.
