DJ Black Coffee - Audemars Piguet 150 Years

Jul 16

For Piaget’s 150th anniversary, I had the privilege of photographing DJ Black Coffee (Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo)—an artist whose music has been part of my creative rhythm for years. I first discovered his sound while driving along Camps Bay in Cape Town on a perfect sunny day. It was his collaboration with Drake, and I remember thinking, Who is this? I added the track to my favorites, and since then, his music has become my go-to during upbeat photo shoots. It’s been a consistent presence in my life and on my sets.

Earlier this year, after another visit to Cape Town, I received a call from London about a proposal. The art director couldn’t reveal who the project was for due to an NDA, but he mentioned it involved a major name in electronic music from South Africa. I had a strong feeling—and I was right.

Not only was I contacted by CNN and Audemars Piguet for the anniversary portraits, but just a few days later—completely unrelated—Black Coffee’s manager reached out to me directly. They had no idea I was also set to photograph him for Audemars Piguet during his time in NYC. The second shoot took place during one of the Met Gala after-parties at The Standard Hotel, where I had the opportunity to capture a few more portraits of him in a more spontaneous, candid setting.

This project felt like the perfect intersection of my passions. I’ve always loved working with musicians—their energy, depth, and ability to convey emotion visually—and Black Coffee’s sound has played a big role in my creative process. At the same time, I’ve been fascinated by watches for years, and Piaget has long been a brand I admire for its elegance, history, and exceptional craftsmanship. The fact that Black Coffee already wears Piaget watches made the collaboration feel that much more natural and authentic.

The shoot itself had great energy. He arrived calm, grounded, and fully present. There was no rush—he was patient, open, and genuinely kind, which always makes a huge difference on set. The lighting was simple and intimate, letting the atmosphere breathe. Each frame became a quiet exchange between his calm personality, Piaget’s timeless design, and Black Coffee’s soulful presence.

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