23/03/2026
A U D A C I O U S π³π¬ U N D E R D O G ~
Nigeria is back in the cup βοΈ
For me, this moment is deeply personal.
For years, I believed Nigerian arabica deserved to be taken seriously again β not as nostalgia, not as potential, but as real quality. That belief was built on our farms in Plateau State, in Shen and Farin Lamba, through hard decisions, patient work, and the refusal to let this story die.
I carried six lots to CenicafΓ©, Colombia.
Six lots grown on our own land. Traced from seed to cup. Processed with care and discipline.
When Dr. Valentina Osorio and her team cupped them, what came back was recognition:
cinnamon, cherry, floral, sweet, distinct.
The naturals were fruity, winey, and full of life.
But I knew recognition alone was not enough.
We needed proof the market would respect.
So the coffees went to NKG Quality in Zug, Switzerland β one of the worldβs largest and trusted quality gatekeepers in coffee.
And this was the verdict:
Farin Lamba Natural β 88.0
mango, floral, citrus; winey, jackfruit, grapes, tropical fruits, molasses, chocolate.
Shen Natural β 87.0
tropical, berries, grapes; mango, tropical fruit, grapes, molasses.
Shen Peaberry Natural β 86.75
tropical, berries, winey, overripe; berries, tropical fruits, molasses, pineapple.
Kerang & Mangu Washed β 84.0
chocolate, berries, citrus, green tea; citrus, herbal, caramel.
Farin Lamba Washed β 84.0
tropical, honey, citrus, green tea; herbal, citrus, caramel, slight berries.
In specialty coffee, 83-85 points is commercial specialty. 86+ is premium micro-lot status, while 88+ is elite/ competition & auction level.
So when our Farin Lamba Natural scored 88.0, I knew the conversation had changed.
This is bigger than Mai Shayi Coffee
This is Nigerian coffee stepping back onto the global stage.
And this time, it returns with proof.