Durban barista Teddy Nzama has become somewhat of a local celebrity after beating 15,000 other Starbucks hopefuls in an international coffee competition that took place in London last week. 

Participants from Europe, the Middle East and Africa competed for the title.

Teddy Nzama is the first barista from Africa to win. He says his journey began when he watched a coffee-making competition.

Teddy accounts the success of his brew to love, passion and being able to share with his customers and partners. 

“This morning the queue was here, everyone was just here. They want that Champion cup of coffee, they wanted to be made by the champion”.

A client praised Nzama saying, “he communicates with me as a client. To him it’s not just about coffee, there’s a lot of passion involved, there is a lot of love.”