Damian Lazarus (born 15 November 1978 in London) is a British DJ and producer known for his narrative and immersive style. He began his music career in the 1990s as a journalist (for Dazed & Confused) and A&R, before devoting himself fully to DJing. In 2003, he founded the Crosstown Rebels label, which has become one of the landmarks of the underground techno and house scene.
His sound is a sophisticated mix of house, techno and atmospheric sounds, perfect for natural environments such as jungles, deserts, beaches and archaeological ruins-the "Day Zero" experience-ideal for sunrise sets that transcend the classic club.
Damian is also the creator of Get Lost and Rebel Rave, formats recognised for their 'no-phone policy' approach and authentic contact between audience and music.
His productions include albums such as Smoke the Monster Out (2009), Message from the Other Side (2015), Flourish (2020) and Beijing Spring (2022). He is famous for epic live sets at festivals such as Day Zero in Tulum, Glastonbury and Sonar, as well as his residency at DC10 in Ibiza that lasted over a decade. Damian Lazarus is now considered an avant-garde sound painter and one of the most visionary protagonists of contemporary electronica.
After studying music at Technikon Natal and starting his career as a backing vocalist, he burst onto the scene in 2005 with his first self-titled album, giving birth to a personal style dubbed 'Afropolitan House'. His growth has been unstoppable, leading him to collaborate with the likes of Drake, David Guetta, Usher and Pharrell Williams, and to perform at the world's most prestigious festivals and clubs, from Coachella to Tomorrowland to Ibiza.
In 2022, he won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album with 'Subconsciously', making him the first African artist to receive such recognition in this category. Black Coffee is also a cultural entrepreneur, committed to the promotion of new South African talents through his Soulistic Music label and to the enhancement of the African house scene internationally.