Black Coffee, DJ Tira and DJ Merlon Launch Art Legacy Fund

South African music heavyweights Black Coffee, DJ Tira and DJ Merlon have joined forces to give back to the creative industry that helped shape their careers by launching a new initiative, the Art Legacy Fund.

The launch took place on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, and was marked by a formal dinner attended by guests dressed entirely in black. The elegant evening brought together influential figures from the country’s music and creative industries to celebrate what could become an important new chapter for South African artists.

DJ Tira took to Instagram to share moments from the special evening, giving his followers a glimpse of the launch and explaining the meaning behind the initiative.

Speaking about the Art Legacy Fund, DJ Tira said, “We are launching a beautiful initiative, Art Legacy Fund. Together with Black Coffee and DJ Merlon what can we do for this industry that has given us so many beautiful things. This industry built us.”

The Art Legacy Fund is a South African initiative co-founded by DJ Tira, Black Coffee and DJ Merlon. Its goal is to provide financial support and uplift local artists and the wider creative industry. The initiative reflects the trio’s desire to reinvest in an industry that has played a major role in their own journeys.

The evening was not only about the launch of the fund; it also became a celebration of DJ Tira, who recently turned 50.

Black Coffee surprised DJ Tira with a birthday cake during the event, making the milestone celebration even more memorable. He also delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on DJ Tira’s significant contribution to the music industry and his long career.

He said, “You are the only person who has lasted long in keeping a record label and still continued to sign artists. In a time when many of them changed and many of them turned against you, you still continued. So I’m not just saying happy birthday my brother you have done very well and I want you to know your contribution in this industry. Even if you decide to stop what you’re doing. Your contribution has been the biggest.”

Through the Art Legacy Fund, the three music pioneers are turning their years of experience, influence and success into an opportunity to help build a stronger future for South Africa’s creative industry.