South African international DJ and music producer Black Coffee has scored a major legal victory after the Johannesburg High Court reportedly ordered Maserati South Africa to refund R7 million to his company, Soulistic Music.
The court case stemmed from a dispute involving a customised Maserati MC20 Cielo supercar that Black Coffee’s company had agreed to purchase. What was initially expected to be a luxury vehicle deal eventually turned into a months-long legal battle after the parties disagreed over the delivery of the customised car.
According to the details of the dispute, Soulistic Music had an existing Maserati valued at approximately R7 million. The vehicle was traded in as part of the agreement towards the purchase of the new MC20 Cielo. The company was then expected to pay an additional R2 million when the customised vehicle was delivered.
The new Maserati was reportedly meant to be specially configured according to Black Coffee’s preferences. Among the requested features were a distinctive blue exterior colour, a leather interior and a customised sound system.
A delivery deadline of July 2025 was reportedly agreed upon between the parties. However, the deal did not proceed according to the expected schedule.
Maserati later indicated that production of the customised vehicle would only begin in August 2025 and that there was no definite delivery date. This reportedly prompted Soulistic Music to cancel the agreement and demand the return of the R7 million trade-in value.
Maserati South Africa challenged the cancellation, arguing that the parties had not agreed on a firm delivery date. The company also reportedly maintained that the customised nature of the vehicle meant that additional time was required before the car could be completed and delivered.
The Johannesburg High Court, however, rejected Maserati’s arguments and ruled in favour of Soulistic Music.
The court found that Maserati had breached the agreement between the parties, paving the way for the R7 million refund. In addition to repaying the amount, Maserati was ordered to pay interest as well as the legal costs associated with the case.
The interest reportedly applies at a rate of 10.5% per year from August 2025 until the amount is paid.
The ruling brings an end to the legal dispute surrounding the luxury supercar deal and represents a significant victory for Black Coffee’s company.
Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, is one of South Africa’s most internationally recognised DJs and producers. Known for his global performances and award-winning music career, he has also become known for his interest in luxury cars and high-end lifestyle brands.
The Maserati dispute attracted attention because of the substantial amount of money involved and the fact that the disagreement centred on a highly customised luxury vehicle.
With the court now ordering Maserati South Africa to return the R7 million trade-in value, Soulistic Music has successfully secured the repayment it sought after the deal collapsed.
The judgment also highlights the importance of clearly defined contractual terms, particularly when expensive customised goods are involved and delivery dates are a key part of the agreement.
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