Online Reporter
DJ Maphorisa (Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe), affectionately known as Phori, is proving that his return to Afrohouse is more than just a creative pivot — it’s a strategic move already yielding results.
The amapiano music maestro has secured a coveted slot in Ibiza, joining the line-up of international DJ acts set to perform at Black Coffee Saturdays.
The announcement was made by Black Coffee (real name Nkosinathi Maphumulo) alongside the official Hï Ibiza Instagram page.
Following the announcement, Phori took to his Instagram to express gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his talent on a global stage.
“Honoured @realblackcoffee @hiibizaofficial,” said Phori in his post.
Fans and followers were quick to flood his comments section with messages of support and encouragement. This is what they had to say:
@shuduchristina said: “We are within.”
@abdeepcrazy said: “There’s a lot of South African DJs appearing. I’m proud @realblackcoffee.”
@the_truth_is_the_gospel__ said: “Bra Coffee mindfully handpicked the best of the best in the game as his guest DJs. He knows what he’s doing and made no mistake.”
While @sowetounderground said: “Ibiza is about to be lit.”
“Black Coffee Saturdays” most commonly refers to the renowned Grammy-winning DJ and producer’s eighth annual summer residency at Hï Ibiza, running from May 2 to October 3.
It remains one of the premier weekly house music events globally, with Black Coffee delivering his signature Afropolitan sound in the main Theatre.
Phori is not the only South African name on the line-up.
He joins a strong local contingent including Shimza, Kabza De Small, DJ Kabila, DJ Merlon, DJ Kent, FKA Mash, Kasango, Shoba and SONA — a clear indication of South Africa’s continued global dominance in dance music.
Earlier this year, Maphorisa announced that he would be shifting his focus from amapiano back to Afrohouse.
“Amapiano is in good hands; I am going back to my roots where it all started: AFRO!” he wrote.
With the support of Shimza, Maphorisa recently performed his first Afrohouse set at Kunye in Kenya – a platform founded by Shimza to spotlight African electronic music talent.
He thanked Shimza for providing him with the opportunity to reintroduce himself in the Afrohouse space, signalling what could be a defining new chapter in his already influential career. — IOL
Mathew Masinge