Best believe that when you come from a place as unassuming – and uncharted – as the mining town of Barberton, Mpumalanga, you make it part of you forever. Well, at least that’s what up-and-coming producer David From Barberton has done. Truth be told, he lives in Los Angeles these days, but he’s keeping loyal to his roots as he builds a name for himself.
He dabbled in the UK music scene for a couple of years as an assistant producer for London-based songwriter and producer Anders Kallmark (Kylie Minogue, Pixie Lotte), but since returning home, he’s been producing for a heap of South African pop and hip hop artists for years now – including Kyle Deutsch, Beast RSA, and Gigi Lamayne.
These days, however, sees him branching out a little and David From Barberton has been dropping some infectious remakes of classic bops.
The first to hit the airwaves – and public attention – was his breezy, chiming reimagining of Pilot’s 1974 hit “Magic” which soundtracked that New Year’s Eve scene in the queer rom-com Red, White, and Royal Blue. Moulding the classic into a decidedly modern, synth-swept counterpart, bred for a love-locked NYE countdown.
His latest track, now that his fresh moniker has gained some healthy traction, pays homage a little closer to home, as he turns Brenda Fassie’s iconic hit “Weekend Special” to his own devices. The original’s trademark funk gets bolstered with liquid production and grooving basslines.
These tracks are a creative outlet, more than anything, while he splits his time between LA and South Africa, operating his boutique music listening company Ossia Records. The goal is to kick up a little dust, get the collaborations coming and stitch a South African element into the work he does.
He’s got a way of keeping things comfortingly true to the original, while ushering the whole thing into the modern era with refreshing appeal. Keep them coming, David. Put Barberton on the map.
Feature pic supplied by artist
