On 24 November 2025, Emperors Palace hosted the launch of Billboard Africa’s African Power Players Vol. 1 – Rooted in Rhythm. The highlight of the event was announcing internationally renowned South African DJ, record producer and songwriter, Black Coffee, for its official first cover. The event was hosted in the picturesque gardens of the 5-star Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel, in partnership with Peermont Resorts, Arena Holdings, and the New York Africa Chamber of Commerce (NYACC).
The event was attended by a litany of industry heavyweights, recognising Black Coffee as a cultural innovator and creative whose contributions have shaped Africa’s global cultural footprint, culminating in receiving the African Power Player of the Year Award. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, as its iconic charts, breaking news, multi-platform storytelling and events are known globally. Launching Billboard Africa at Emperors Palace is a landmark moment not only for Billboard, but for the global music industry.
‘I’m so excited to be able to spotlight the dynamic artist, DJ, entrepreneur and humanitarian Black Coffee as Billboard Africa’s first cover star,’ says Billboard Africa Editor-in-Chief Nkosiyati Khumalo. ‘Through decades of award-winning releases, Black Coffee pushes boundaries and shatters expectations of what African sounds should be. His impact extends to music and beyond, through the philanthropic work of the Black Coffee Foundation, which promotes education, independence and social integration. Through endeavours like Africa Is Not A Jungle, The Black Coffee Weekender and other live performance projects, Black Coffee constantly raises the bar with an approach to creativity that’s rooted in constant evolution, and we’re honoured to share this milestone with him.’
Rorisang Setlogelo, Peermont Chief Marketing Officer added: ‘Hosting the inaugural Billboard Africa Power Players event at Emperors Palace was an honour for Peermont. The evening brought together the leaders, creators, and visionaries who continue to define Africa’s cultural impact on the world. Africa’s influence is unmistakable, and Billboard Africa provides a vital platform to showcase our talent and our excellence on a global stage. We are proud to have been the home of this milestone moment and to stand alongside those shaping the continent’s creative future.’
‘What excites me about African music is the fact that we haven’t even started showing the world what we have. We just have so much that we haven't even shown the world. We are one continent that really has a gift, and it's a gift that's always going to keep giving. We have so much to show the world, and when it comes to your art - follow your heart.’ – Black Coffee
To see the complete cover shoot and read the full interview with Black Coffee, visit africa.billboard.com.
Photo Credits - Black Coffee photographed by Themba Mokase / Red Hot Ops on location at the Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg. Additional Photography & Videography by Solar Shots.
Venue is always clean.
Staff very helpful
The bar service was a bit slow.