David Kramer (singer)

{{Short description|South African songwriter and playwright}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} {{Use South African English|date=August 2012}} {{Infobox person | name = David Kramer | image = DavidKramer (cropped).jpg | caption = Kramer in 2010 | birth_date =  | birth_place = Worcester, South Africa | education = | alma_mater = Leeds University (textile)<br />University of Cape Town (hon) | occupation = Singer, songwriter, playwright and musical director | years_active = 1980— | agent = Mountain Records | known_for = Red veldskoen shoes<br />Volkswagen Microbus adverts | style = Folk, solo guitar | awards = 11 gold and 1 platinum record | website = {{url|http://www.davidkramer.co.za/}} }} '''David Kramer''' ({{IPAc-en|k|r|ɑ:|m|ə|audio=David-Kramer-surname.ogg}}) (born on 27 June 1951) is a South African singer, songwriter, playwright, and director, notable for his musicals about the Coloured communities in the Cape, and for his early opposition to apartheid.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Kramer, David |url=https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Kramer-David/602086 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Britannica Kids |language=en-US |archive-date=17 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250617093814/https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Kramer-David/602086 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early life and education == The Kramer family's surname was initially Karabelnik. It was changed to Kramer by his grandfather, who arrived in South Africa from Lithuania in 1899 and made a living as a salesman, walking from farm to farm selling goods.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.culturalobservatory.org.za/liv_kra.html |title=David Kramer, South African Cultural Observatory - Living Treasures |access-date=9 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106120919/http://www.culturalobservatory.org.za/liv_kra.html |archive-date=6 January 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

David Kramer was born in Worcester, South Africa, to a furniture merchant and a hairdresser, and spent his formative years in Worcester.<ref name=":0" /> He grew up listening to instruments such as a concertina, played by his grandfather and guitar, played by farm workers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=100 World Class South Africans: David Kramer |url=https://www.news24.com/amp/news24/archives/city-press/100-world-class-south-africans-david-kramer-20150429 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> While there, he had some music lessons with the classical composer Cromwell Everson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2015-01-28 |title=David Kramer brings a new musical to CT stage |url=https://www.sajr.co.za/kramer-brings-a-new-musical-to-ct-stage/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Jewish Report |language=en-ZA}}</ref> He played in a South African band named The Creeps in the 1960s, and then travelled to England in 1971 to study textile design at Leeds University on a bursary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=David Kramer |url=http://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2007-12-14-david-kramer |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=www.news.uct.ac.za |language=en}}</ref>

Kramer is married to Renaye Kramer, whose family is from Worcester, South Africa, and of Jewish origin. The couple have known each other since childhood, both having grown up in Worcester.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=David Kramer brings a new musical to CT stage|url=https://www.sajr.co.za/kramer-brings-a-new-musical-to-ct-stage/|website=SA Jewish Report|date=2015-01-28|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en-ZA|last=admin|archive-date=15 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251015110608/https://www.sajr.co.za/kramer-brings-a-new-musical-to-ct-stage/|url-status=live}}</ref> Renaye has played an active role in his work, including participating in the production of the ''Kramer–Petersen Songbook'' <ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=District Six Kanala: Commemorating the void that still remains|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-02-14-district-six-kanala-commemorating-the-void-that-still-remains/|website=Daily Maverick|date=2016-02-14|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en|first=Marianne|last=Thamm|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426070405/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-02-14-district-six-kanala-commemorating-the-void-that-still-remains/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the musical ''Ver In Die Wêreld Kittie.'' <ref>{{Cite web|title=David Kramer returns to the stage with an enchanting musical|url=https://cjc.org.za/2024/07/01/david-kramer-returns-to-the-stage-with-an-enchanting-musical/|website=Cape Jewish Chronicle|date=2024-07-01|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en-GB|first=Digital|last=Coordinator|archive-date=22 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251222225949/https://cjc.org.za/2024/07/01/david-kramer-returns-to-the-stage-with-an-enchanting-musical/|url-status=live}}</ref>

His brother, John Kramer, is an artist.<ref>Maureen Barnes. [http://www.rosekorberart.com/artists/kramer4.htm Brother of the more famous David] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403192059/http://www.rosekorberart.com/artists/kramer4.htm |date=3 April 2017 }}. ''Fair Lady'', 18 August 1999.</ref>

==Career == {{refimprove |section |date=January 2025}} ===Early musical career === Kramer began his music career in the mid-1970s, singing at folk clubs and campus concerts in South Africa. He pioneered the use of Cape Afrikaans and South African English in his lyrics, often using both languages in the same song. He focused on small-town South Africa and employed gritty realism and dark satire to tell his stories and describe his characters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roux |first=Erene |date=2019-06-27 |title=Celebrating David Kramer's Birthday: Looking back at his career |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/david-kramer-birthday-interesting-facts/ |access-date=2025-05-26 |website=The South African |language=en-ZA |archive-date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019233520/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/david-kramer-birthday-interesting-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On stage, Kramer portrayed himself as a rural everyman who travelled the dusty roads of small-town South Africa with an old bicycle and a cheap guitar. He told stories and sang in the Boland patois of his youth as well as in English.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.davidkramer.co.za/history.html |access-date=2025-05-26 |website=www.davidkramer.co.za |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513094733/https://www.davidkramer.co.za/history.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mountain Records issued his first six albums. The first album, ''BAKGAT!'', was released in 1980 and was immediately banned in its entirety by the SABC because it was considered too political and vulgar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=David Kramer |url=https://www.writersunlimited.nl/en/participant/david-kramer |access-date=2025-05-26 |website=Writers Unlimited |language=en |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114181717/https://www.writersunlimited.nl/en/participant/david-kramer |url-status=live }}</ref>

Kramer's follow-up album, ''Die Verhaal van Blokkies Joubert,'' released in 1981,<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer - The Story Of Blokkies Joubert |date=September 1981 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10096527-David-Kramer-The-Story-Of-Blokkies-Joubert |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nell |first=Stephen |title=Die ware verhaal van Blokkies Joubert |url=https://www.netwerk24.com/netwerk24/die-ware-verhaal-van-blokkies-joubert-20180323 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Netwerk24 |language=af-ZA}}</ref> a portrait of a has-been Springbok rugby player, quickly climbed the music charts and made him a household name. Notable singles from the album were ''Blokkies Joubert'' and ''Die Royal Hotel.'' Both sat at the top of the charts on various South African radio stations. The album reached number 11 on the South African LP charts.{{fact|date=May 2023}}

Despite initial setbacks, his albums received 11 gold and one platinum record for sales.<ref name="uct.ac.za">[http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/press/honorarydegrees_dec.pdf Media Release by University of Cape Town] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201001527/http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/press/honorarydegrees_dec.pdf |date=1 February 2017 }}, 25 September 2007</ref>

=== Musical theatre === In 2001, Kramer launched a show called ''Karoo Kitaar Blues'', presenting the eccentric guitar styles of the Karoo - the music of marginalised people who live in remote villages in the semi-desert areas of South Africa.<ref>{{Citation |last=Key |first=Liza |title=Karoo Kitaar Blues |type=Documentary |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4108408/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |others=David Kramer, Hannes Coetzee, Taliep Petersen |publisher=Key Films |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728002119/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4108408/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hogg |first=John |date=2023-10-10 |title=David Kramer’s ‘Karoo Kitaar Blues’: A magical night |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-10-10-david-kramers-karoo-kitaar-blues-a-magical-night/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203183824/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-10-10-david-kramers-karoo-kitaar-blues-a-magical-night/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The show aimed to document an almost lost part of South Africa's musical heritage, featuring unknown musicians and instruments from the Northern Cape hinterland. One of these "forgotten" artists, Hannes Coetzee, became an overnight YouTube sensation,<ref>{{YouTube|NCKTeRW3OhQ|Hannes Coetzee Spoon Guitar Demo}}</ref> and was invited to participate in a teaching workshop for slide and steel guitar in Port Townsend, WA.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Teaspoon slide guitar - The Steel Guitar Forum |url=https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=240727 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=bb.steelguitarforum.com}}</ref>

Kramer and Taliep Petersen first met in the mid-'70s at a folk concert staged by Des and Dawn Lindberg at the University of Cape Town. In 1986 he collaborated with Petersen on the acclaimed stage musical ''District Six: The Musical'', a politically influenced musical telling the story of the people of District Six in Cape Town, South Africa who were forcibly removed from the area during apartheid. It was produced by the Baxter Theatre and his wife, Renaye Kramer, and ran until 1990 with 550 performances, also touring internationally and returning to the Baxter in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-02-14-district-six-kanala-commemorating-the-void-that-still-remains/|title=District Six Kanala: Commemorating the void that still remains|first=Marianne|last=Thamm|publisher=Daily Maverick|date=14 February 2016|access-date=26 April 2023|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426070405/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-02-14-district-six-kanala-commemorating-the-void-that-still-remains/|url-status=live}}</ref>

With Petersen, he created ''Fairyland, Poison'', and ''Kat & the Kings,'' all to critical acclaim, the latter having successful runs on Broadway and in London's West End.<ref name="Independent98">{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/sing-and-dance-the-beloved-country-1150473.html | title=Sing and dance, the beloved country | work=The Independent | date=Mar 15, 1998 | accessdate=May 1, 2023 | author=Braid, Mary}}</ref>

The friendship and working relationship continued until Petersen's murder in 2006. To honour Petersen's memory, a Kramer Petersen Songbook production was staged at the Baxter Theatre to sold-out houses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.davidkramer.co.za/history.html|title= David Kramer History|access-date=9 May 2023}}</ref>

Kramer has been featured and interviewed by several South African community publications and cultural outlets, including the ''Cape Jewish Chronicle'' <ref>{{Cite web|title=David Kramer returns to the stage with an enchanting musical|url=https://cjc.org.za/2024/07/01/david-kramer-returns-to-the-stage-with-an-enchanting-musical/|website=Cape Jewish Chronicle|date=2024-07-01|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en-GB|first=Digital|last=Coordinator}}</ref>'', SA Jewish Report'' <ref>{{Cite web|title=David Kramer brings a new musical to CT stage|url=https://www.sajr.co.za/kramer-brings-a-new-musical-to-ct-stage/|website=SA Jewish Report|date=2015-01-28|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en-ZA|last=admin|archive-date=15 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251015110608/https://www.sajr.co.za/kramer-brings-a-new-musical-to-ct-stage/|url-status=live}}</ref>'', LitNet'' <ref>{{Cite web|title=Nothing but David Kramer, an interview - LitNet|url=https://www.litnet.co.za/nothing-but-david-kramer-an-interview/|website=LitNet - Die boekehuis met baie wonings|date=2011-11-23|access-date=2026-01-30|first=David|last=Kramer|archive-date=6 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706194014/https://www.litnet.co.za/nothing-but-david-kramer-an-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref>''and Prime Media Plus.'' <ref>{{Cite web|title=SA music legend David Kramer talks District 6, his career and what's still to come|url=https://www.primediaplus.com/sa-music-legend-david-kramer-talks-district-6-his-career-and-whats-still-to-come/|website=Primedia Plus|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref>

==Other activities == In 1983, David licensed his idiosyncratic image to Volkswagen South Africa to use on their Microbus (called a "Kombi"). This was the beginning of a television and print campaign that won the hearts of South Africans. The campaign turned David Kramer into a household name and was to continue for 13 years. With his trademark red veldskoen shoes, bicycle and guitar, he became a household name as the face of the SA Volkswagen Microbus advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bain |first=Keith |date=2024-10-18 |title=Orpheus McAdoo — David Kramer brings forgotten hero back to life |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-10-18-much-ado-about-mcadoo-david-kramer-brings-forgotten-theatrical-hero-back-to-life/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en |archive-date=21 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241021135045/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-10-18-much-ado-about-mcadoo-david-kramer-brings-forgotten-theatrical-hero-back-to-life/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Recognition and awards == Kramer was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature by the University of Cape Town in 2007,<ref name="uct.ac.za"/> and an honorary doctorate by the University of Stellenbosch in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sun.ac.za/english/archive/Lists/English_News_Archive_110518/DispForm.aspx?ID=1457|title=David Kramer an honorary Matie|date=25 April 2014|access-date=8 May 2023|archive-date=17 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217181439/https://www.sun.ac.za/english/archive/Lists/English_News_Archive_110518/DispForm.aspx?ID=1457|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, Kramer was awarded a Fleur du Cap Lifetime Achievement Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/eikestadnuus/winners-of-2023-fleur-du-cap-awards-announced-20230327|date=27 March 2023|title=Winners of 2023 Fleur du Cap awards announced|publisher=News24|access-date=8 May 2023|archive-date=8 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508111906/https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/eikestadnuus/winners-of-2023-fleur-du-cap-awards-announced-20230327|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2026, Kramer was awarded the Freedom of the City, Cape Town’s highest civic honour.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SEE {{!}} Cape Town awards David Kramer and Taliep Petersen Freedom of the City|url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/arts/see-cape-town-awards-david-kramer-and-taliep-petersen-freedom-of-the-city-20260121-0788|website=News24|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en-US|first=Joel|last=Ontong}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=David Kramer receives 'Freedom of the City' with humour|url=https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/01/21/david-kramer-receives-freedom-of-the-city-with-humour|website=EWN|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en|first=Kayleen|last=Morgan}}</ref>

== Albums == * Bakgat! (1980)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bakgat! — David Kramer |url=https://www.last.fm/music/David+Kramer/Bakgat! |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Last.fm |language=en}}</ref> * Die Verhaal van Blokkies Joubert (1981)<ref>{{Cite web |title=David Kramer – Die Verhaal van Blokkies Joubert – RecordMad – New & Used vinyl records |url=https://www.recordmad.co.za/shop/secondhand-lps/south-african/david-kramer-die-verhaal-van-blokkies-joubert/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> * Delicious Monster (1982)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Delicious Monster — David Kramer |url=https://www.last.fm/music/David+Kramer/Delicious+Monster |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Last.fm |language=en}}</ref> * Hanepootpad (1983)<ref>{{Citation |title=Hanepootpad by David Kramer on Apple Music |date=1983-06-27 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/hanepootpad/649468883 |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> * Jis Jis Jis (1983)<ref>{{Citation |title=Jis Jis Jis by David Kramer on Apple Music |date=1983-06-27 |url=https://music.apple.com/za/album/jis-jis-jis/661016159 |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref> * Kwaai (1984)<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer - Kwaai |date=1984-02-15 |url=https://tidal.com/browse/album/173711419 |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> * Van Der Merwe P.I. (1985) (Soundtrack to a movie of the same name)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034158/fullcredits/ |title=Van der Merwe P.I. (1985) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-05-27 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> * Laat vir die Dans (1986)<ref>{{Cite web |title=LAAT VIR DIE DANS - DAVID KRAMER. {{!}} NARSSA |url=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.za/node/4811427 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=www.nationalarchives.gov.za}}</ref> * Baboondogs (1986)<ref>{{Citation |title=Baboondogs by David Kramer on Apple Music |date=1986-06-27 |url=https://music.apple.com/bw/album/baboondogs/802882892 |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref> * Eina (1989)<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer And Taliep Petersen - District Six - The Musical |date=1986 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1335801-David-Kramer-2-And-Taliep-Petersen-District-Six-The-Musical |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * Klassic Kramer (compilation) (1996) * Alles Vannie Beste (1997) * In the Days of District Six (2000)<ref>{{Citation |title=Taliep Petersen, David Kramer - In the Days of District Six |date=2000 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/12984152-Taliep-Petersen-David-Kramer-In-the-Days-of-District-Six |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * Kliphard (2001)<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer - Kliphard |date=1999 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1667164-David-Kramer-Kliphard |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * Karoo Kitaar Blues (2002)<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer - Karoo Kitaar Blues |date=2002 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/13231527-David-Kramer-Karoo-Kitaar-Blues |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * Huistoe (2004)<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer - Huistoe |date=2004 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/33664764-David-Kramer-Huistoe- |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * Hemel en Aarde (2007)<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer - Hemel & Aarde |date=2007 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2247905-David-Kramer-Hemel-Aarde |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * Wakkerslaap (2017)<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer - Wakkerslaap |date=2017 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/25793605-David-Kramer-Wakkerslaap |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * Sharttendorrf (2019)

== Musicals == * District Six (1986) * Fairyland (1991) * Poison (1992) * Crooners (1992) * Klop Klop (1996) * Kat and the Kings (1997)<ref>{{Citation |title=David Kramer & Taliep Petersen - (David Kramer & Taliep Petersen's) Kat And The Kings |date=1997 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/3781286-David-Kramer-2-Taliep-Petersen-David-Kramer-Taliep-Petersens-Kat-And-The-Kings |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * Die Ballade van Koos Sas (2001) * Ghoema (2005) * The Kramer Petersen Songbook (2008)<ref>{{Citation |title=&, Taliep Petersen - The Kramer Petersen Songbook |date=2008 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/32218773--Taliep-Petersen-The-Kramer-Petersen-Songbook |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en}}</ref> * David Kramer's Breyani (2010) * Some Like It Vrot (2011) * Blood Brothers (2013) * Orpheus in Africa (2015)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/local-theatre-gets-off-to-good-start-1801308|title=Local theatre gets off to good start|website=www.iol.co.za|access-date=7 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907111120/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/local-theatre-gets-off-to-good-start-1801308|url-status=live}}</ref> * Langarm (2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/kramers-langarm-set-be-a-hit-18254901|title=Kramer's 'Langarm' set be a hit|website=www.iol.co.za|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129054113/https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/kramers-langarm-set-be-a-hit-18254901|url-status=live}}</ref> * Danger in the Dark (2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2020-03-09-david-kramers-danger-in-the-dark-returns-to-baxter-theatre|title=David Kramer's Danger in the Dark returns to Baxter Theatre|website=www.news.uct.ac.za|access-date=7 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907111137/https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2020-03-09-david-kramers-danger-in-the-dark-returns-to-baxter-theatre|url-status=live}}</ref>

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * {{Official website|http://www.davidkramer.co.za/}} * [https://wifidead.blogspot.com/2012/07/david-kramer-give-credit-where-credit.html David Kramer - Give credit where credit is due.]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kramer, David}} Category:1951 births Category:Afrikaans-language South African singers Category:English-language South African singers Category:South African guitarists Category:Living people Category:South African male composers Category:South African composers Category:20th-century South African male singers Category:South African dramatists and playwrights Category:South African singer-songwriters Category:21st-century South African male singers Category:People from Worcester, South Africa Category:Alumni of the University of Leeds