The Kiffness: ‘I lost money, my life was threatened’

The Kiffness has spoken about his decision to step away from his X account after receiving death threats over his controversial views.

The Cape Town musician – real name David Scott – is known for his quirky sampled songs as well as bold views on topics like politics, race and religion.

THE KIFFNESS ON LEAVING X, RECEIVING DEATH THREATS

In an interview with News Day, The Kiffness spoke about gaining international recognition for his songs, sampling animal sounds and silly viral moments.

He also delved into making headlines over his controversial views.

Over the past year, the Durban-born artist, who lives in Cape Town, deactivated his X account over his controversial views, which many labelled “racist” and “Islamophobic”.

The artist mentioned his comments about the Middle East conflict, which led to a call to boycott his concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town last December.

He said: “They were all coming after me because I have a reasonable belief that a nation like Israel has a right to exist and defend itself from terrorists. I also believe that someone like [Gift of the Givers CEO] Dr [Imtiaz] Soliman, who is supposed to be a humanitarian, shouldn’t be going on stage and using violent rhetoric and saying things that are political when you are supposed to be a non-aligned NGO”.

The Kiffness shared that he had received numerous death threats, referencing the assassination of US conservative Charlie Kirk. He was also losing brand deals due to the backlash of his views.

For the first time, the 38-year-old had to hire private security to protect him.

He continued: “I lost money; my life was being threatened.

“You’re allowed to disagree with me. But if you start threatening my family and me, that’s when the line gets crossed.

“There was a point where I thought that this show isn’t actually worth it. There’s a very real possibility that someone could take me out. That’s the reality of the world we live in, where being outspoken comes wth a massive cost. But I’m going to keep doing it because we need to speak the truth.

“I’m just someone who cares about the truth, regardless of the consequences.

The Kiffness added that fatherhood – with another little one on the way – had put things into perspective for him.

“I want my kids to grow up with their dad, but the reality is the whistleblowers and truth-speakers are unfortunately taken out a lot of the time.

“I walk this tightrope where we need to be bold and not be intimidated by those who intimidate us.

“The truth is the biggest disinfectant. It can shine a light on the rot in society and in these organisations that are trying to silence voices like mine. The more emboldened other people will become, the more they’ll lose their foothold. We can’t let them intimidate us”.

‘TRIED TO CANCEL ME’

Last month, The Kiffness publicly supported UK musician Ed Sheeran, who has come under fire for his decision not to “pick sides” in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Sheeran tearfully apologised for his previous “complicit”, apolitical views, calling the conflict “unjustifiable”.

In a Facebook post, The Kiffness shared that he had related to the backlash on a personal and professional level.

Tagging the UK singer, he shared: “Dear Ed Sheeran. I’m not sure if you’ll ever see this, but I wanted to send some encouragement your way. Last year, a small but very vocal group of Pro-Palestine activists tried to cancel me, too, but they failed. The online noise and intimidation tactics were intense, and there were definitely moments I wondered if doing the show I was booked for was worth it, but I’m glad I followed through.

He continued: “Please don’t let them win. You’re an incredible talent and a genuinely good person. When I faced backlash, I at least expected it because I’ve been vocal about my Christian views in the past. It’s so much more unfair that you’re receiving this hate simply for choosing to stay out of it and mind your own business.

“You have a massive amount of support behind you. Don’t let the noise bring you down!”