The DaVinci Gourmet Craft Barista Championship was recently held in Singapore and the African representative was Majory Muchekechi based right here in Cape Town! There were 74 entries from South Africa alone and Majory not only rose to the top in SA, but went on to win in the African Regional Finals in Kenya. We love competitions that give baristas opportunities to grow and shine!
“At DaVinci Gourmet, our goal was to unite coffee crafters from around the world, and I’m truly inspired by the level of innovation and storytelling we witnessed,” said Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager, Foodservice Brands, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. “Through our commitment to supporting creativity and experimentation, we saw bold, inventive flavour pairings and extraordinary creations that reflect each winner's unique coffee culture. This competition has pushed the boundaries of what coffee can be, showcasing DaVinci’s dedication to inspiring innovation in the industry. The connections forged and the strengthened sense of community have brought our ethos, ‘United Through Coffee,’ to life in a truly remarkable way.”
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How did you get started in coffee?
I began making coffees while working part-time at a local market on weekends when I was in high school. Being around skilled baristas sparked my interest with the artistry of latte art—it was fascinating to watch them create beautiful designs with such precision. Initially, I was drawn in by the creative side of it, but as I gained more experience, my curiosity expanded to the coffee industry itself. I became eager to learn about the coffee beans, the different flavours, and the incredible variety of opportunities within the coffee world.
When did you realise that you were such a talented on-stage performer?
I have always felt a bit shy speaking in front of an audience, but whenever the topic is coffee, people tell me my eyes light up. Talking about coffee brings out a confidence in me that I don’t usually feel—it’s something I genuinely enjoy and am passionate about sharing with others. Knowing I can introduce people to something I love gives me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and competing is somehow a way for me to share my passion with other baristas and the audience as well.
What did you learn through going to compete in Kenya at the African Regional of the Da Vinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2024?
My journey to Kenya was truly mind-blowing. It revealed a new creative side of me and showed me just how far I'm willing to push myself. I had the chance to network with baristas from all over, learning so much through our exchanges of recipes and even coffee beans. This experience was more than just a competition—it was an incredible opportunity to connect with others in the industry and make friends across the continent.
How did it feel to represent Africa on the global stage in Singapore?
Representing Africa was a true honour. Although I felt a bit nervous, I was incredibly proud to represent my continent and was determined to make us shine. I wanted people to remember Africa and to recognise that our coffee community is thriving and ready to make a lasting impact.
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Tell us about the drink you created for the competition and why you feel this is a good representation of SA culture?
For the competition, I crafted a baobab latte. Growing up, I ate a lot of baobab fruit, and my mom would often say if you ate a baobab fruit, you get to live a long life. This drink was deeply nostalgic, capturing my childhood memories. In African culture, the baobab tree symbolizes life, resilience, and our cultural roots. I wanted to create an experience that connected us to this heritage, showcasing my craftsmanship while honouring nature.
What advice would you give to other baristas who are on the fence of entering barista competitions?
Enter as many competitions as possible; each one is an opportunity to learn from other competitors. View every competition as a chance to build your skills, as you’ll encounter unique techniques that can enhance your own. Competitions are also a fantastic way to network and become an active part of the barista community.
What do you love most about being in this industry? The creativity? The people? The coffee itself?
I love the coffee itself because, with every creation, I get to tell a story, connect with others, and express my creativity. For me, coffee is like a blank canvas, ready to be filled with endless possibilities.
