SA Celebs
Black Coffee Turns Up Heat on Maserati Over R7.7m Debt
The legal battle intensifies as a sheriff is instructed to seize Maserati SA's assets to recover owed funds.
The legal dispute between Grammy-winning musician Black Coffee, known offstage as Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, and Maserati South Africa has escalated significantly, with the sheriff now directed to seize the carmaker's movable assets to recover a debt of R7.7 million owed to his company, Soulistic Music.
The Johannesburg High Court issued a writ of execution on August 17, instructing the sheriff to attach and sell Maserati's assets, a move that underscores the seriousness of the situation. This judgment arose from a breach of contract involving two luxury vehicles purchased by Black Coffee, one of which was delivered late.
According to TshisaLIVE, the total claim of R7.735 million consists of a judgment debt of R7 million plus R735,000 in interest accrued since August 22, 2025. The court's decision not only mandates payment but now permits the sheriff to take steps against Maserati's movable property if the debt remains unsettled.
The conflict originated when Black Coffee ordered two vehicles from Maserati in November 2024, with the understanding that both would be delivered in a timely manner. While one vehicle arrived as promised, the second fell behind schedule - raising questions about Maserati's adherence to their agreement. Black Coffee maintained that Maserati failed to deliver the second vehicle by the agreed deadline of June 2025, prompting him to seek restitution.
In his court filings, Black Coffee stated, "Maserati, accordingly, breached the agreement in that it failed to timeously deliver vehicle two by the delivery date. As a result of the breach, I am entitled to restitution in the amount of R7 million, being the trade-in amount which Maserati is obliged to repay."
Prior to escalating the issue to court, Black Coffee attempted to resolve the matter directly with Maserati. Communication included assurances from a Maserati representative claiming that a production slot had been secured specifically for him, due to his stature as an internationally recognised figure. However, the vehicle's late arrival ultimately led to legal proceedings after Maserati did not fulfil their commitments.
Maserati has disputed Black Coffee's claims, asserting that the company did not breach the contract and maintains that they have not launched a substantive defence against the allegations. Following the court's ruling in favour of Black Coffee on August 3, Maserati was also ordered to cover the legal costs incurred during the proceedings.
As the sheriff embarks on the process of identifying and attaching Maserati's assets, much attention will be focused on the unfolding circumstances surrounding this notable case. Should the debt remain unpaid, the execution process allows the sheriff to approach Maserati's movable property to recover the outstanding funds. While no specific assets have been identified or seized yet, more details are expected to emerge as the execution moves forward.
This legal challenge is just one of the several battles Black Coffee is currently embroiled in, including a separate case with social media commentator Nota Baloyi, which adds further complexity to his ongoing legal entanglements. The situation with Maserati will undoubtedly continue to evolve, marking a turbulent chapter in Black Coffee's career amidst his creative triumphs.