Mino Black

Mino Black (born Thabo Philemon Malefane) is an award-winning South African DJ, music producer, music publisher, and speaker based in Johannesburg. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Mino Black has built a respected career that spans recording, live performance, publishing, mentorship, and cultural advocacy.

Formerly known as Morale, he released his first mixtape in 2005 and followed up with his debut album Rising Star in 2007. His work earned national recognition when he won the Metro FM Award for Best Collaboration in 2011 for the song “Ayamaah,” featuring Zola, from the album Smile, Clap & Bow. In the same year, he also received the Hype Magazine Mixtape of the Year Award, further cementing his reputation as a formidable creative force.

In 2014, Mino Black founded Mino Music Publishing, which has since grown into a respected music library with a catalogue of over 15,000 tracks. Through this venture, he has produced music for major broadcasters and platforms including SABC, M-Net, Netflix, and various advertising agencies. His work has played a pivotal role in supplying authentic South African music for television programming, particularly within the Amapiano genre.

As an artist, Mino Black has been instrumental in bridging underground street culture with the commercial music industry. His 2022 EP Never Too Late marked a significant milestone in his Amapiano journey, and he is currently working on his debut album Nyakaza. Beyond performance and production, he is deeply committed to music education, mentorship, and publishing advocacy, frequently speaking at workshops, industry panels, and talent development programmes.

Driven by a passion for empowering emerging creatives, Mino Black continues to shape South Africa’s music ecosystem through innovation, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence.