Cape Town awards ‘Freedom of the City’ to music legends David Kramer and Taliep Petersen
David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen, icons of South African musical theatre, are set to receive Cape Town’s highest civic honour, the Freedom of the City, in recognition of their profound impact on the arts and culture of the region.
Image: File picture
Two of Cape Town’s most celebrated musical icons, David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen, are being awarded the city’s highest civic honour - Freedom of the City.
The announcement, made by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, marks a fitting tribute to a duo whose work defined an era of South African musical theatre and introduced the world to the spirit and sounds of Cape Town.
Kramer and Petersen rose to fame in the late 1980s with their groundbreaking production “District Six - The Musical”, which premiered at The Baxter Theatre.
The show captured the heartache and resilience of a displaced community, becoming an instant classic and a cultural milestone in South African theatre history.
Their creative partnership went on to produce internationally acclaimed works, including “Kat and the Kings”, which became their most successful production. It took the world by storm, gracing stages in London’s West End and on Broadway, and winning multiple awards for its vibrant storytelling and celebration of Cape Town’s unique music culture.
Following their global success, the pair continued to tell local stories through song, including the hit musical “Ghoema”, which debuted at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) in 2005 before returning to The Baxter Theatre for another celebrated run.
David Kramer, who remains a national treasure, is widely recognised as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and storyteller whose work continues to reflect South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape.
His long-time collaborator, Taliep Petersen, was a composer and performer until his death in 2006. Petersen was shot in his Athlone home at the age of 56 - a murder later revealed to have been orchestrated by his wife, Najwa Petersen.
In announcing the honour, Mayor Hill-Lewis said:
“I’m pleased to announce that we will bestow the Freedom of the City to Mr David Kramer and the late Mr Taliep Petersen. This legendary duo are icons in Cape Town's history and will be awarded our highest Civic Honour, Freedom of the City. They have not only entertained us for generations but have shaped South African musical theatre and the cultural heritage of the Western Cape.”
This recognition cements the enduring legacy of two extraordinary artists whose music transcended borders and generations, a reminder of Cape Town’s heart and the stories that continue to unite its people.
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