Black Coffee Scores R7 Million Court Victory Against Maserati

South African international DJ and producer Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, has secured a major legal victory against Maserati South Africa after the Johannesburg High Court ordered the luxury car company to pay his company R7 million.

The court also ordered Maserati to pay 10.5% annual interest on the amount from August 22, 2025, until the debt is settled, in addition to the legal costs of the case.

The Disputed Maserati Deal

The dispute arose from Black Coffee’s attempt to purchase a customised Maserati MC20 Cielo, with the total value of the deal estimated at around R9 million.

The DJ had previously purchased a Maserati MC20 Coupe in 2022 for approximately R7 million. When he decided to upgrade to the Cielo model, the value of his existing vehicle was expected to be credited toward the new purchase, with an additional payment of around R2 million required.

The new vehicle was to include several customised specifications, including a premium Sonus Faber 12-speaker sound system, Maserati Blu Infinito paintwork, specially selected wheels and a bespoke interior combining leather and Alcantara.

Disagreement Over Delivery

The disagreement intensified when Maserati informed Black Coffee in June 2025 that production of the vehicle would not begin until August, without providing a firm delivery date.

Black Coffee subsequently sought to cancel the transaction and requested the return of the R7 million value attributed to his existing vehicle.

Maserati later informed him that it had managed to secure a production slot and that his customised vehicle would enter production in August.

The company argued that securing the production slot was particularly significant given the artist’s international profile.

Black Coffee, however, maintained that the agreed terms had not been honoured and continued to demand the return of his money.

Maserati’s Defence

Maserati disputed Black Coffee’s version of events and argued that the alleged July 2025 delivery date was not a binding contractual deadline.

The company also maintained that a vehicle with such extensive customisation required at least nine months from the final approval of specifications before delivery could be expected.

According to Maserati, some of the requested features were bespoke modifications that required additional approval before a definitive production and delivery schedule could be established.

Despite Maserati’s defence, the court ultimately ruled in favour of Black Coffee’s company.

R7 Million Award Plus Interest

Under the judgment, Maserati South Africa must pay R7 million, together with annual interest of 10.5% calculated from August 22, 2025, until the amount is paid in full.

The company was also ordered to cover the legal costs associated with the proceedings.

The ruling represents a significant financial and legal victory for Black Coffee and brings an end to the dispute over the customised Maserati.

The internationally acclaimed DJ is also involved in a separate legal dispute with social-media commentator Nota Baloyi, relating to statements made about Black Coffee’s finances during his divorce proceedings.