Beyond the Brew: The Story of Shalom Chikanya, Barista Battle Season Two Champion

From our Blog CoffeeMM

The Barista Battle is a celebration of skill, but sometimes, the stories behind the competitors are even more inspiring. Shalom Chikanya, champion of the CoffeeMM Academy Barista Battle Season Two: Local Love isn’t just a master of coffee skills. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, community and the unexpected places where we discover our purpose.

Coffee: A Path to Purpose

A period of unemployment led him to an unexpected discovery: coffee. Coffee training, initially undertaken for practical reasons, blossomed into a full-fledged love affair. This wasn’t just about mastering brewing techniques; it was about discovering a creative outlet that resonated with his soul. Coffee, alongside his existing passion for music, became a way to express himself and constantly strive for excellence.

Creating Community through Coffee

In coffee, Shalom found a vibrant community. Initially, he describes experiencing a “care-syndrome” in the barista network, referring to the unwavering support that he received from fellow baristas. This sense of community extends to his current workplace, Republique, a local coffee shop in Stellenbosch. There, he thrives in a motivating environment nurtured by Republique’s overseer, Mandi Hart.

But the secret ingredient in this recipe for success goes beyond just receiving encouragement. It’s about the openness to share dreams and aspirations. Shalom emphasizes the importance of expressing your goals to those around you. He’s a testament to the fact that by being open to support, opportunities often have a way of appearing.

Gifts We Discover: A Philosophy for Passion

Shalom’s definition of talent is refreshing and disarmingly simple. He believes gifts aren’t preordained abilities we possess,but rather the things we can do tirelessly, the pursuits that never feel like a chore. This philosophy is evident in his approach to both coffee and music. Neither feels like work, but an extension of himself. Through these passions, he connects with others, adding his own unique blend of artistry and purpose to their lives.

Quote that reads, "Something that you do and never get tired of doing it, that's your gift." - Shalom Chikanya

From Coffee Magic to Music

Coffee, in Shalom’s hands, goes beyond technical skill. It’s about the magic that happens between barista and customer, the shared experience over a steaming cup. He finds the same joy in creating a perfect latte as he does in sharing his music with the world. Both are forms of expression, reflecting emotions and creating a deeper connection. His upcoming LP promises to be a unique brew, offering a glimpse into his world beyond being a barista, the symphony of emotions that play out behind the coffee machine.

Inspiration Brewing

Shalom’s story is more than a competition win; it’s a cup overflowing with inspiration. Coffee ignited his passion and fostered a supportive community when he needed it. As he continues to perfect his craft and share his music, his journey is only just beginning.

Inspired by Shalom Chikanya’s dedication to continuous self-improvement, we are excited to see what comes next. His story reminds us that purpose can be found in unexpected places, and that passion, when shared, has the power to create something truly beautiful.

Rapid fire

Shalom’s Favourite Coffee: Pour-over V60, available at Republique

Shalom’s Quote for Dark Days: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven”

Advice for aspiring baristas: “Never quit and always push through to better yourself. Don’t limit yourself, research more about the things you do and the things you want to do.”