Danny K reflects on his musical journey ahead of 'Kollection' release
Musician Danny K, on November 28, will release an album featuring his greatest hits, celebrating 25 years of making music.
Image: Tiro Ramatlhatse
South African singer and songwriter Danny K, on November 28 will be releasing a new album, celebrating 25 years of making music.
Titled “Kollection”, the album will feature his greatest hits digitally remastered and a few new surprises.
Leading up to the release of “Kollection”, Danny K, real name Daniel Koppel, has been sharing memories from working on the previously released songs, reflecting on what they mean to him.
Danny K reflected on how his 2005 song “Unfrozen” came together, thanks to his producer Pete Martin, who found a Thomas Newman sample from the gangster film “Road To Perdition” featuring Tom Hanks.
“We were instantly drawn to it - and wanted to try use it as the base for a haunting pop song. By the end we realised that unbelievably we had achieved it , and “Unfrozen” was the result.
“Never in a million years did we think we would ever get the clearances from Thomas Newman ( one of film’s great composers ) , but he heard it , loved it and cleared it. It became the 3rd single off This Is My Time,” he wrote.
Over his life and career, Danny K has worked with many great South African artists, and in one post he revealed that none have meant more to him than the legendary Johnny Clegg.
In 2003, Danny K worked with the late musician on the song “Who’s That Girl?”, which was an unexpected collaboration.
“Johnny had written an R&B song and wasn’t sure where to take it. I happened to be recording in the same studio when his engineer played it for me. The moment I heard it, I felt something special.
“I phoned Johnny and asked if he would let me record a version on top of his original idea and feature him. He agreed with his usual generosity,” he wrote.
Danny K also got to work with the late kwaito musician Mandoza first on Coca-Cola’s collaboration project on a song called “Music”. They later formed a lengthy relationship that saw them touring and recording together.
“The work we did together led to a SAMA for the album we recorded together, ‘Same Difference’. Mandoza’s absence sits heavy on my heart. I feel grateful for every moment shared with one of South Africa’s greatest musical sons. May his memory be a blessing for us all.”
Danny K also collaborated with the late hip-hop artist HHP. Their song, "I Like Yo Style," remains an absolute favorite of his to this day.
“I remember finding this old-school jazz sample and building the track around it. When HHP agreed to jump on it, I was over the moon and knew it was exactly what the track needed. He brought this energy, humour, and spirit that lifted the whole song.”
Earlier in November, Danny K released a remix to his song “Hurts So Bad” by Sketchy Bongo. Over the years, the award-winning musician has become quite the businessman as the CEO of KD Foods, which acquired Sweets from Heaven.
“Kollection”, will be released on November 28.
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