South African sonic explorers Cold Chinese Food return with a vibrant new single, “Ethiopian Coffee,” the first sip from their forthcoming genre-defying album. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms, accompanied by a cinematic music video on YouTube.
Rooted in experimental hip-hop, soaked in jazz, and laced with cultural introspection, “Ethiopian Coffee” reflects the duo’s journey from Johannesburg’s melting pot to the world stage.
Cold Chinese Food duo consisted of Sam Turpin and ILLA N. “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 and coming-of-age themes in the lyrics, but also a real openness to what music can be.”
The single draws inspiration from life’s pauses — the quiet, grounding ritual of making and drinking coffee. Its dreamy visuals (shot between Joburg and Cape Town) are 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.”
Cold Chinese Food is more than a duo — it’s a growing movement. While originally formed by Sam Turpin and ILLA N, the upcoming album includes the broader Charles Géne Suite collective.
“Ethiopian Coffee” is not just a sonic offering, it’s a signal of what Cold Chinese Food stands for: independent artistry, cross-cultural collaboration, and music that dares to live outside of labels.
Listen & Watch Ethiopian Coffee