The Kiffness
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The Kiffness Biography
David Scott (born 11 February 1988), also known by his stage name the Kiffness, is a South African musician, producer, and parody artist who is the founder and lead singer of the band the Kiffness. Despite the band's name, Scott is referred to as the Kiffness alone.
| Full Name | David Scott |
| Stage Name | the Kiffness |
| Date of Birth | 11 February 1988 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Education | Michaelhouse School, University of the Witwatersrand (medicine, dropped out), Rhodes University (music and philosophy) |
| Notable Works | "Where are You Going?", "White Privilege", "Pragtig Meisie", "Nkosazan' Dlamini Trafficker" |
| Genres | Music, Satire, Parody |
| Years Active | 2013–present |
Early Life and Career
David Scott's musical journey began early, as he was a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir in 2004. He attended the prestigious Michaelhouse School before enrolling at the University of the Witwatersrand to study medicine. However, his passion for music led him to drop out and pursue studies in music and philosophy at Rhodes University. During this time, he worked as a DJ and performed in a jazz band, honing his craft.
In 2013, Scott released his first single, "Where are You Going?", in collaboration with Matthew Gold, which successfully entered the 5FM Top 40 charts. His album Kiff received nominations at the 21st South African Music Awards in both 2015 and 2017, cementing his place in the South African music scene.
Known for his distinctive style, Scott often performs wearing a floral custom suit made in Vietnam, with fabric chosen by him and his wife, inspired by his grandmother's curtains. This unique look complements his satirical and socially conscious music.
Musical Style and Satire
Scott's work is characterized by its sharp social and political commentary, often addressing South African issues through satire. In 2017, he released "White Privilege", a track aimed at raising awareness among white South Africans about social inequalities. The following year, he created a provocative video for his Afrikaans song "Pragtig Meisie", featuring a blow-up doll with the face of Afrikaner nationalist singer Steve Hofmeyr, highlighting cultural tensions.
In 2019, Scott took a stand against the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for failing to pay musicians royalties, claiming he was owed R60,000. That same year, he launched a solo career, expanding his reach and influence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Scott released several parody songs, including "Nkosazan' Dlamini Trafficker", a satirical take on the South African national anthem criticizing the ban on cigarette sales. This sparked controversy, with Ekurhuleni's mayor Mzwandile Masina accusing Scott of racism. The two later spoke, with Scott defending his work as satire. He also created a spoof of the hit song "Jerusalema" targeting EFF leader Julius Malema after protests over a shampoo advertisement deemed racist.
Collaborations and Viral Success
Scott's international collaborations include a 2020 viral remix with Turkish musician Bilal Göregen of the viral "Ievan polkka" performance. In 2021, he produced a parody of Miriam Makeba's "The Click Song" to help South Africans pronounce newly renamed cities such as Port Elizabeth, King William's Town, and Maclear.
In September 2024, Scott gained further viral attention with his video "Eating the Cats", satirizing a false claim made by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. The claim was widely debunked and ridiculed, and Scott's video amplified the satire on social media.
Controversy and Public Response
In 2025, Scott was selected to perform at the Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town. However, protests organized by activists affiliated with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) sought to have him removed, citing alleged racist and Islamophobic tweets on his X account. Despite this, concert organizers, including SANBI, confirmed the event would proceed with increased security. Scott received support from various South African community groups and fans, including singer Heinz Winckler.
Activism
Beyond music, Scott has engaged in activism through his art. In 2016, he paid tribute to the victims of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting with the song "You Say You Love Me". In 2021, he raised over R100,000 for the SPCA in Sandton through the release of his Cat Jams EP.
During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Scott supported Ukraine by remixing the Ukrainian folk song "Oi u luzi chervona kalyna", originally performed by Boombox frontman Andriy Khlyvnyuk, who had canceled his American tour to defend his country. Royalties from the remix were dedicated to humanitarian aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Q&A
Q: What inspired David Scott to switch from medicine to music?
A: Scott's passion for music and philosophy led him to leave his medical studies at the University of the Witwatersrand and pursue a career in music at Rhodes University.
Q: What is the significance of Scott's floral custom suit?
A: The suit, made from fabric chosen by Scott and his wife, resembles his grandmother's curtains and has become a signature part of his stage persona.
Q: How has Scott used satire in his music?
A: Scott uses satire to address social and political issues in South Africa, such as racial inequality, censorship, and government policies, often sparking public debate.
Q: What controversies has Scott faced?
A: Scott has faced criticism for his satirical songs, including accusations of racism from political figures and protests from activist groups, though he defends his work as social commentary.
Conclusion
David Scott, aka the Kiffness, stands out as a multifaceted artist who blends music, satire, and activism to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. His unique style, both visually and musically, combined with his fearless approach to controversial topics, has earned him both acclaim and criticism. Through his work, Scott continues to influence South African culture and beyond, using his platform to raise awareness, support causes, and entertain audiences worldwide.
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