David Kramer
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David Kramer (born Worcester, South Africa in 1951) is a singer, songwriter, playwright and director, most notable for his musicals about the Cape Coloured communities.
During Kramer's stay in Worcester he had some music lessons with the classical composer Cromwell Everson. He played in a South African band called The Creeps in the 1960's, and then travelled to England in 1971 to study textile design at Leeds University.
He began his music career in the mid 1970's, singing satirical songs at folk clubs and campus concerts in South Africa. His first release was a half live/half studio album Bakgat issued by Mountain Records in 1981, most of which was banned by the SABC. His follow up album Die Verhaal van Blokkies Joubert came later that year and produced the singles Hak Hom Blokkies and Die Royal Hotel both of which topped singles charts on various South African Radio stations. The album reached number 11 on the South African LP charts. His only other singles chart success was with Stoksielalleen from the Kwaai album, however he did chart with Delicious Monster, Hanepootpad and Kwaai in the albums charts.
In 1986 he collaborated with Taliep Petersen on the highly acclaimed stage musical District Six It was also with Petersen that he created Fairyland and Kat & the Kings all to critical acclaim, the latter having successful runs on Broadway and in London's West End.
With his trademark red velskoene shoes, bicycle and guitar, he became a household name as the face of the SA Volkswagen Microbus advertisements.
He has been an enduring figure on South Africa's music scene. His songs are mostly stories about ordinary life in South Africa.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Albums
- Bakgat (1981)
- Die Verhaal van Blokkies Joubert (1981)
- Delicious Monster (1982)
- Hanepootpad (1983)
- Jis Jis Jis (1983)
- Kwaai (1984)
- Van Der Merwe P.I. (1985) (Soundtrack to a movie of the same name)
- Laat vir die Dans (1986)
- Baboondogs (1986)
- Cape Town (1988)
- Eina (1989)
- Klassic Kramer (compilation) (1996)
- Alles Vannie Beste (1997)
- Kliphard (2001)
- Karoo Kitaar Blues (2002)
- Huistoe (2004)
- Hemel en Aarde (2008)
[edit] Musicals
- District Six (1986)
- Fairyland (1991)
- Poison (1992)
- Crooners (1992)
- Klop Klop (1996)
- Kat and the Kings (1995)
- Die Ballade van Koos Sas (2001)
- Ghoema (2005)
- The Kramer Petersen Songbook (2007)