George 05 (South Africa) - Johannesburg 07 (South Africa)
“To be invited to be an ambassador for 46664 is not only a career highlight, it is indeed an honour. It is humbling to know that your leader is one of the greatest humanitarians the world has ever produced. I have shared the stage with some of the world’s finest entertainers involved with the 46664 concerts and campaigns but for all their enormous popularity and star appeal - it all pales into insignificance in the presence of Tata Omkhulu Madiba. We are in awe and that is when you realise that Madiba’s greatest accomplishment will always be his commitment, sacrifice and love of those in need and less fortunate.
HIV AIDS remains one my generation’s single biggest challenges and I will do whatever it takes to support and love those infected and affected. Madiba always reminds you of the challenges that arise from the pandemic and his excellent example of being extra sensitive and caring about the stigma that accompanies HIV AIDS has ensured we continue to help and serve with vigour, energy and determination.”
THIS IS MY TIME
Danny K returns, with a brand new album – This Is My Time. Following on from the major success of his previous album – the collaboration with Mandoza, titled Same Difference, Danny K returns on top form, celebrating his prowess as a solo artist, writer and producer.
Since the release of Danny’s self titled solo album in 2001, he has grown from strength to strength, releasing multiple award winning albums, performing on the same stage as some of the biggest musicians in the world (Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner) and topping the charts the country over, time and time again.
Danny K has gone from once unknown fledgling star to a fully realised superstar – proving yet again that you can’t stop talent like this.
This Is My Time is more than just an album title; it’s a way of life, and the reaching of a lifelong goal.
As Danny reiterates – “This is my Time embodies everything I’ve done in my past, culminating in this moment, this body of work. I feel I definitely have the tools now to take this album internationally, to let the rest of the world hear what I have to offer.
After many years in the industry, I’ve finally realised what my sound is all about, who I am as a man, and a musician. Although it’s obvious that one continues to mature, I feel like this has been my most focussed album – the album I have been the most involved in and every track offers something new, exciting and original. It’s my time to share what I’ve learnt over the years, and I want people to feel that and be a part of the journey.”
This Is My Time is the first solo effort since 2003’s J23, and sees a maturity not seen in his earlier work. “My work with Mandoza was more experimental, a voyage into many different styles, from R&B, pop to soul. With This Is My Time, I’ve created a record truly reminiscent of who I am, an album to satisfy myself, with a sound exclusive to myself.”
And it shows. Danny’s growth as a songwriter, a producer and a singer is highly evident on this release. Addressing more pertinent issues and more risqué topics, previously unexplored, This Is My Time shows the after effects of living a life to the full, experiencing the profound effects of a public life, and dealing with the emotions of such issues. “As a person in the public eye, having to deal with public break ups, and having your personal life out in the open, for all to read, effects you quite deeply. I’ve used that as an inspiration, and I’ve put everything I know into my lyrics, and my song writing. It’s above all about honesty and seeing things as they really are”.
Lyrically, Danny K has never been one to shy away from the truth. The touching and heartfelt song I Can’t Imagine, off the album J23, which was written for his late brother Jarren, is a true example of how Danny has left himself wide open, able to embrace pain; and conquer it.
“You have to be brave as a songwriter. You know that your most private thoughts will be listened to by your ex girlfriend, your mother, all the people in your life you are close to, and it’s an unnerving, and yet exhilarating conquest. People respond to honesty, I believe it’s an important attribute to have and we should all use it more readily.”
THE MUSIC
Featured on This Is My Time is an array of prominent contemporary artists. Although Danny wanted to focus more on his solo efforts this time around, and not just include colabs for the sake of them, there are some songs that are just not complete without someone else’s touch. Some top names featured on the album include WhistleJacket, Kabelo, Buckshot, Pro Kid, HHP, Terry Walker and 2XL, all adding their own unique brand of style, music and vibe to the finishing touches.
The first single is the upbeat club banger Shorty which features Whistlejacket. Shorty – a slang term for ‘cute girl’ or ‘hot babe’ is an edgy exploder, filled with the energy of the dance clubs and packed with even more fun. The title track This Is My Time was co written by Terry Walker and features the Kwaito sounds of local styler Kabelo. This is the quintessential Danny K – a Danny K ready to take on the world. Other stand out tracks include the poignant Real Man – a song inspired by an incident when Danny was in London recording. “Pete (long time producer) and I were walking around a market, when we witnessed a couple having a violent argument behind the closed windows of their car. The guy was screaming at his girlfriend, while she just sat there, frozen and intimidated. We went straight back to the studio and put down the essence of real man. “A real man wouldn’t treat you like that”.
Danny’s choice to reunite with past producer Pete Martin was a determined one. Having worked with Danny in the past, Pete understands how far Danny has come and is able to compliment that on the new recording, creating a holistic approach to what is essentially a lifetime’s work in progress.
This Is My Time includes it all – from the up-tempo grooves of I Like Yo Style; (featuring HHP) to the massive ballad Unfrozen – a poignant love song about emotional metamorphosis, about opening ones eyes to the world and breathing in the warmth, releasing yourself from the chains that bind. Unfrozen samples the score from the movie The Road To Perdition – and is by far one of the most uplifting and powerful ballads on the album.
It’s a turnabout of emotion on the poignant Separate Lives, a track about living apart from someone you love, and dealing with that heartache without losing faith or hope in the future. Danny’s philosophy of “beat the best and be the best” is the driving force behind his new work. This Is My Time captures the essence, the talent and the passion behind the man Danny K. It’s the album that will prove just why Danny has always stayed in the spotlight, and will remain there for many years to come.
“I want to take this album to the people – to the world” – Danny K
This is Danny K’s time!
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Danny K’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. A few highlights include:
• Nominated for 2 SAMA awards at the 2007 Nominations ceremony for his album This Is My Time – including Best Pop Album, and Best R&B / Soul Album.
• First SA musician to perform on the legendary Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago. Other guests on the day included Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Josh Groban and John Travolta.
• Multiple nominee and winner at the SAMA (South African Music Awards).
• Winner of the 2005 SAMA award for Best Pop Album for his collaboration with Mandoza titled Same Difference
• Winner of the 2007 SAMA award for Best Pop Album English
• Numerous other awards including: 2 Consecutive Kids Choice Awards (voted for by over 1 million SA South African kids), 4 SAMA nominations, Winner of 2006 Channel O Award for Best Collaboration, Nominated for 2 Channel O Awards for 2007, Nominated for 3 Metro FM Awards for 2007 for This Is My Time, 2 Consecutive Crystal Awards (People’s Choice Awards), You Magazine Award - Best SA Musician - one of SA largest magazine publications, SA STYLE award-best dressed Male. Also voted one of South Africa's few “role models” in a FNB national survey. Danny K’s cross over power was confirmed by researches at the University of KwaZulu-Natal as being one of the most accessible white South Africans who mixes easily with fellow black South Africans.
• String of number one, top ten singles and Gold albums in his career.
• Ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Campaign to fight AIDS in Africa. Other ambassadors include Brad Pitt, Josh Groban, Will Smith and Richard Branson. Danny K was one of 5 SA acts chosen to perform at Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert at Greenpoint Stadium, broadcast to over 3 billion people around the world.
• Establishing his own Record, Production, Publishing and Management Companies. All successful in their own right. His record and publishing companies are among the biggest independents in the country enjoying gold and platinum success in album sales.
• Danny K is a sought after writer and producer, having written and produced songs for some of the South Africa’s biggest artists such as 101, Jamali, TK, Kabelo and Mandoza.
• A groundbreaking collaborative album with Kwaito (African Hip Hop) star Mandoza titled Same Difference, sold GOLD in 2 weeks-enormous numbers in the SA market. The collaboration has taken the country by storm and has received many awards and critical acclaim e.g. Best Pop album- SAMA awards 2005
• Toured, double billed and performed in South Africa with the likes of Usher, Craig David, Puff Daddy, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Eric Benet, Bob Geldof, U2, Queen, Beyonce, Ludacris, Will Smith, Annie Lennox, Christina Aguilera, Deborah Cox, Dianne Ross, Seal and Michael Bolton. Performances for MTV at the 2000 MTV Staying Alive concert in Cape Town and the MTV 100th Live. Televised live to hundred of millions of viewers in the world by MTV. Opening of the ICC (International Cricket Convention) World Cup Opening Ceremony to over 2.5 billion viewers - an enormous global audience.
• Extensive charity and social work for many worthy causes in South Africa, e.g. Performing in front of over 30 000 underprivileged kids for Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey at Mandela’s annual Birthday party in Qunu in the Transkei. Danny is a patron of Reach for a Dream, the Smile Foundation and a Life Champion for Life College in South Africa.
• Winner of Channel O Best Collaboration Video for the video Music.
• Has his own range of optical frames called Danny K, as well as a cellphone range called the AG Rockstar
• Graduating from Wits University and Wits Business School with 2 degrees - Law and Business Administration.
DISCOGRAPHY:
DANNY K – 2001
J23 – 2003
DANNY K & MANDOZA – SAME DIFFERENCE – 2005
THIS IS MY TIME - 2006
