Grammy-winning music star Black Coffee recently took a quiet moment to remember his late close friend, Virgil Abloh, on what would have been his 45th birthday, on 30 September, 2025.
Virgil Abloh was more than just a designer—he was a trailblazing American fashion visionary and entrepreneur. In 2012, he launched his luxury streetwear brand Pyrex Vision, which later grew into the internationally celebrated Milan-based label Off-White. His creative impact changed the fashion world in a way few others have.
In 2019, Virgil was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, a battle he kept private until his passing on 28 November, 2021, in Chicago, at just 41 years old.
Strong brotherhood
Black Coffee and Virgil shared a special bond that went beyond friendship. Together, they worked on several projects, including designing Abloh’s Fashion, Art, and Music Academy, and a capsule collection for Off-White inspired by Black Coffee’s South African roots. Their friendship was also celebrated through collaborative DJ sets, blending their passions for music and art.
After Virgil’s passing, Black Coffee paid tribute with a DJ mix dedicated to his friend and honoured him by wearing the Grammy suit designed by Abloh himself—a meaningful symbol of their creative connection.
Now, marking what would have been Virgil’s 45th birthday, Black Coffee took to Instagram to share a thoughtful message.
Here’s what he wrote:
“We didn’t do all we wanted to do,but you alone selflessly did enough to inspire generations and generations to come,even though you are physically gone, your passion,love and light will shine through forever, I and many others wil carry this spirit in everything we do.Happy heavenly 45th birthday brother @virgilabloh,” wrote Black Coffee.
Throwback time
Alongside his message, Black Coffee posted a short video of a calm moment shared between the two — just the two of them talking, relaxed, and clearly comfortable in each other’s presence.
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