South African sonic explorers Cold Chinese Food return with new single “Ethiopian Coffee”—the first taste (excuse the pun) of their forthcoming album.
Known for their genre-defying approach, rooted in experimental hip-hop and jazz, “Ethiopian Coffee” reflects on the duo’s journey from Johannesburg’s melting cultural pot (no really, forgive us for these awful puns!) to the global stage.
“This project has been in the works for quite a while,” says musician-producer Sam Turpin. “Growing up around global cultures and musical families, hip-hop became the language through which we could speak. There’s a lot of jazz too, and coming-of-age themes in the lyrics, but also a real openness to what music can be.”
Overall, the track is dedicated to life’s pauses—specifically, the quiet, grounding ritual of making and drinking coffee. Accompanied by a dreamy music video shot between Johannesburg and Cape Town, the visual is a passport into the duo’s multi-sensory universe.
“If this project had a visual identity,” Turpin explains, “it would look like a multi-coloured travel brochure with stamps, food tips, some bling ads—and a few surprises along the way.”
Originally comprising of Turpin and ILLA N, the Cold Chinese Food movement now grows to include the collective contribution of Charles Géne Suite, bringing an added layer of musical diversity to their output.
“Ethiopian Coffee” is not just a sonic offering, it’s a reiteration of what Cold Chinese Food stand for. Independent artistry, cross-cultural collaboration, and music that dares to live outside of labels. They’re just daring you to take a sip (someone confiscate my laptop please).
