Photography Credit: Moeketsi Suoane

Black Coffee Foundation backs new fund established to provide meaningful support to artists and creatives facing difficult circumstances

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, 27 August 2026 – An important new chapter for KwaZulu-Natal’s creative community was marked last night as the Art Legacy Fund was officially launched at a gala dinner at the Premier Hotel in Durban, bringing together leading artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, business leaders and influential figures from across the province in support of a shared vision.

Driven by DJ Tira, Merlon and Black Coffee, and supported by the Black Coffee Foundation, the Art Legacy Fund has been established to provide meaningful support to artists and creatives who find themselves facing difficult circumstances, particularly those experiencing financial hardship as a result of health challenges, mental health struggles or other unexpected life events.

The inaugural gala dinner raised more than R3 million in donations, demonstrating the creative industry’s willingness to come together to support its own and establish a sustainable mechanism for assisting creatives when they need it most.

The evening saw artists, industry peers and business leaders make contributions towards the fund, while additional funds were raised through a live auction featuring an artwork by acclaimed artist Wanda Buhle, as well as a special silent auction presented by Black Coffee for a 1 of 1 experience in Ibiza, Spain. 

The evening also featured a keynote address by Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, who explored the relationship between legacy, sound and time, highlighting the importance of creating work that transcends the present moment and contributes to a lasting cultural legacy.

Addressing the gathering, Black Coffee spoke directly to artists about the importance of understanding their purpose and remaining grounded throughout their journeys. He encouraged creatives to recognise the challenges they face not only from a practical perspective, but also from a spiritual one, urging them to fight harder and remain committed to their purpose despite the distractions and difficulties that can arise along the way.

For Black Coffee, the creation of a fund of this nature is deeply personal, reflecting a broader belief that the creative community must have mechanisms of support that extend beyond moments of success and celebration.

Lungie Maphumulo, CEO of the Black Coffee Foundation, also addressed guests, outlining the Foundation’s ongoing work across health, education, community development and social upliftment, while highlighting the important role it will play in supporting the Art Legacy Fund.

“The Art Legacy Fund speaks directly to why organisations like the Black Coffee Foundation exist – to create systems of support that can meet people where they are and help them through moments when they need it most,” said Lungie Maphumulo, CEO of the Black Coffee Foundation. “We know that the journey of a creative is not always an easy one, and there are moments when artists need support to get back on their feet, continue creating and fulfil their potential. The Foundation is committed to working alongside the Art Legacy Fund to develop initiatives that can support creatives at different stages of their journey, from production to stage and beyond. Last night showed us what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose, and donations raised are an incredible starting point for what we believe can become a lasting support system for artists.”

The launch represents the beginning of a broader programme of initiatives designed to grow the Art Legacy Fund and ensure that its impact extends beyond a single intervention. The Black Coffee Foundation will work alongside the fund to identify opportunities to provide practical, meaningful assistance to creatives, with the ultimate goal of helping artists navigate difficult circumstances while continuing to build their careers and contribute to South Africa’s cultural landscape.

The overwhelming response from the KZN creative and business community at the inaugural gala demonstrates both the need for such an initiative and the willingness of the industry to take collective responsibility for the wellbeing of its own.

The Art Legacy Fund now looks towards building on the momentum of its launch, creating a sustainable platform through which artists and creatives can access support when they need it most.

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