South African DJ and producer Black Coffee performed his first European orchestral show inside the 2,000-year-old Arènes de Nîmes in the south of France on Friday, 8 May 2026, drawing a sold-out crowd of 14,000 people.
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A first for Afro House in Europe
The Grammy-winning artist, born Nkosinathi Maphumulo, performed on a central 360-degree stage accompanied by a live orchestra and vocalists. The show fused his signature Afro House sound with full symphonic arrangements, marking the first time an Afro House artist staged a full orchestral concert inside the ancient Roman amphitheatre.
The event was produced by French collectives Gärten and Sunday Music and the venue is widely regarded as the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world.
Reaction from Black Coffee
Reflecting on the night, Black Coffee said, “Me and a few friends had a little party at a Roman amphitheater in Nimes.This one will forever remain engraved in my heart. Nimes, you showed up.”
