He began his music career in the mid-1970s, singing at folk clubs and campus concerts in South Africa. David pioneered the use of Cape Afrikaans and South African English in his lyrics, often using both languages in the same song. He focuses on small town South Africa and employs a gritty realism and dark satire to tell his stories and describe his characters.
His first album BAKGAT! issued by Mountain Records was released in 1980, and was immediately banned in its entirety by the SABC because it was considered too political and vulgar for the South African ear. Despite initial setbacks, he went on to be awarded 11 gold and one platinum record for sales of his albums.
His follow-up album, Die Verhaal van Blokkies Joubert, a portrait of a has-been Springbok rugby player, rocketed him into the public eye and produced the singles Blokkies Joubert 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.
He surprised many by following this success with an English album, Delicious Monster in 1982.
Read more...