David Scott, professionally known as The Kiffness, is a South African musician and producer renowned for his fusion of live electronic music, satire, and viral internet collaborations. Born on February 11, 1988, in Cape Town, South Africa, Scott’s musical journey began at an early age. He was a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir in 2004 and later attended Michaelhouse School. Initially pursuing medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand, he soon shifted his focus to music and philosophy at Rhodes University. During his time at Rhodes, Scott played in various bands and worked as a DJ, honing his skills in both live and electronic music.
In 2011, Scott founded The Kiffness project in Cape Town, aiming to blend live instruments with electronic beats. The project gained momentum with the release of the single “Where Are You Going?” in 2013, featuring Mathew Gold. The track received significant airplay on South African radio, marking the beginning of The Kiffness’s rise in the music scene. The debut album, Kiff, was nominated for Best Dance Album at the 21st South African Music Awards in 2015 and again in 2017.
The Kiffness’s music is characterized by its jazzy, groovy, and uplifting house beats, often infused with satirical commentary on social and political issues. Scott’s satirical approach is evident in tracks like “White Privilege” (2017), which aimed to raise awareness among white South Africans about systemic inequalities. In 2020, he released “Nkosazan’ Dlamini Trafficker,” a parody of the South African national anthem, criticizing the government’s ban on cigarette sales during the COVID-19 lockdown. The song sparked controversy, with some critics accusing Scott of racism, though he defended the piece as satire.
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point for The Kiffness. Scott leveraged his online presence to create viral content, including a parody of Toto’s “Africa” that garnered widespread attention. He also began remixing viral internet videos, collaborating with various online personalities and animals. One notable collaboration was with Turkish musician Bilal Göregen on a remix of “Ievan Polkka,” which amassed over 50 million views on YouTube.
In addition to his online success, The Kiffness has toured internationally, including a sold-out tour in Germany in 2022. Scott’s live performances are known for their energetic and interactive nature, often incorporating elements of humor and audience participation. He is also recognized for his distinctive fashion sense, frequently performing in a floral custom suit, which has become his signature look.
Beyond music, Scott is actively involved in humanitarian efforts. In 2022, he collaborated with Ukrainian musician Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Boombox on “Oy U Luzi Chervona Kalyna,” raising over $100,000 for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
David Scott is married and has a son. He often shares glimpses of his personal life on social media, including moments with his family and his pet dog, Pablo.
Through his innovative approach to music and his ability to blend humor with social commentary, The Kiffness has established a unique niche in the global music landscape. Scott continues to evolve as an artist, using his platform to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences worldwide.
