David Watkyns is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Cape Town, South Africa. Surrounded by a musical family, David started piano at 7 years old and trumpet at 8, inspired by regular visits to concerts by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and listening to selections of his father’s 16,000 vinyl collection and song-writing books. After school in Pinelands, Cape Town, he then graduated Bachelor of Music from University of Cape Town in Jazz Studies.
His new single Christmas in Cape Town explores the beautiful summer season in the Cape, featuring the New Apostolic Church Choir.
This song is a reimagined ballad of the classic NAC hymn released 20 years ago, which has become a household standard during the festive season in Cape Town communities, sharing the hymn’s chorus but new lyrics in collaboration with original writer Edmund Bourne.
David Watkyns comments on “Christmas in Cape Town”
“This song has always had a special connection with me, it was always played loudly in the Watkyns home around Christmas time. Every aspect of the production from musicians, artwork, mastering all done by brilliant local Capetonians, and mixed by Theo Crous (my fellow Springbok Nude Girls bandmate) “.
“The music video is my most ambitious yet. Shooting began in February this year, with 17 locations around Cape Town and featuring countless spontaneous public performances and features diverse, everyday people. Our hope for this song is to unite our city and celebrate our beautiful location and people.”
Watch the video for “Christmas in Cape Town” below:
More info about David Watkyns
Before David Watkyns’ debut release as a solo recording artist, David was best known for his performances with Arno Carstens and member of the Springbok Nude Girls.
His session and song writing credits include Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike and the Mechanics), Jack Hardman (Good Boy), Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground), Judith Sephuma, Jimmy Dludu, and upcoming Gabriela Diamond.
David Watkyns has performed across Africa, Europe and Asia, including Isle of Wight Festival (UK), St Paul’s Cathedral (UK), Oppikoppi (SA), Rocking the Daisies (SA), and winner of MELA Award for Contribution by Youth to South African Music Industry and SAMA Award for Best Rock Album (with Springbok Nude Girls).
Influenced by Peter Gabriel, Chet Baker, Johnny Clegg, The 1975, New Radicals and Paul Simon; David’s music is story driven with classic instrumentation, big trumpet solos, nostalgic synthesizers and lyrics of love, lust and loss.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
To stay in the loop with all things SA Music, Subscribe to our newsletter.
Looking for something to do? Check out our Upcoming Events section or the SA Gig Guide.
Want to explore the SA Music Scene? Check out our Artist/Band/Group Profiles section.
Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify.
