Brotherhood restored! Black Coffee and Zakes Bantwini reunited on the decks for the first time in 15 years.
Image: Instagram
Well, it looks like Black Coffee and Zakes Bantwini have put whatever may have been between them behind them, if there was ever anything to begin with.
The two Grammy-winning artists recently reunited in Durban, where they shared the decks during Bantwini’s album listening event, a moment that caught the attention of fans as soon as it landed online.
The attendees got more than just a first listen to the project. They got to witness a moment that many fans were longing for.
At one point, Bantwini took a moment to reflect on just how long it had been and how their fans are the reason they’ve reconciled.
“I don’t know the last time I stood to my brother right here and shared a microphone, probably 15 years ago, and today marks that the world has been meaning to have us standing next to each other, but because of you we did,” he said.
He went on to speak about what music has meant to both of them over the years.
“Music to us has always been more than just notes; it has always spoken to us in different languages, it has touched us all spiritually and otherwise, but our introduction to music and the love of music became so colourful because there was pain in our lives.”
Videos from the night started doing the rounds almost immediately, showing the two standing side by side, as they’ve never been apart before.
Fans weighed in on X with their opinions. @D_Molatoli commented: “This is touching. For the brotherhood to be restored as they get older. Heartwarming.”
@Kgomotso_rsa added: “Standing by each other through the toughest times, that’s what we call brotherhood.”
While @LadyMpopi said, “This is really beautiful to witness. Life gives us the opportunity to make amends.”
During Coffee’s 50th birthday celebration, many of his industry and long-term friends were in attendance. However, fans pointed out that Bantwini, who many have known to be close to him, was not present.
The two artists have a history that goes back to the early days of South African house music in the late 2000s, where their collaborations on songs like “Juju” helped shape a sound that would have South Africans dancing and them collecting awards.
Coffee and Bantwini have never publicly detailed the state of their relationship or what may have led to them going their separate ways.