Music producer, DJ, radio host and record label owner, Das Kapital, tells us about his neighbourhood
With his own record label, Do Work Records, and a national radio show on 5FM, In Das We Trust, 26-year-old Das Kapital is one of South Africa’s most influential artists on the electronic dance music scene and a sought-after performer at many national and international festivals.
A Cape Town native, he’s lived in Woodstock for the last two years and loves the energy of the area. “The area I live in feels very suburban and calm while still being close enough to town to know I’m a quick drive away from anything I want to do,” he says. “My part of Woodstock is peaceful, friendly and doesn’t ask much of you. The community here is very engaging, while everyone is also able to get on with their own things. It gives me a quiet place to be creative at night, with enough hum and energy during the day to keep me inspired.”
Walking around Woodstock is one of his favourite things to do. “There are so many amazing places here. It would be remiss to simply rely on the touristy staples like The Old Biscuit Mill. I think Woodstock is one of those places you should make a full day of to find all the wonderful corner cafes, restaurants and so on. The Woodstock Exchange is great for pretty much any speciality goods you could ever need. Otherwise, I’m on my porch enjoying the sunshine or in my house making music.” He says an ideal weekend at home would be spent at a relaxed pace. “I’d wake up, head to the market in the morning, grab a co¬ffee, walk around the stores along Albert Road for antiques and oddities, walk home in the sunshine and stop at my local corner store for a samosa. Then I’d head home for a relaxing time on the couch, enjoying all the wonderful ambient warmth and the hum of the suburb.”
Although Das Kapital sees both sides of the gentrification argument, he loves Woodstock as it is. “Where I live, I’m part of a welcoming and equal community of mixed faiths and diverse backgrounds. Few places in Cape Town can really o¬ffer that, and I love my area for that,” he says.
About Das Kapital
- A big name in South African dance music, Das Kapital also headlines at international festivals. As a music producer, DJ and recording artist, he’s known for his technical ability crossing a number of genres. His record label, Do Work Records, brings new generations of artists to the music scene, as does his radio show, In Das We Trust.
Things to do in Woodstock:
- Visit The Neighbourgoods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill on Saturdays.
- Taste craft beers at the Devil’s Peak Brewing Company, the Woodstock Brewery or the Brewers Co-op.
- Play Hint Hunt at The Old Biscuit Mill.
- Explore shops with vintage items, antiques and second-hand goods along Albert and Roodebloem roads.
- Wander on foot and discover local artisans and graffiti artists, design studios and corner shops.
Where to eat in Woodstock
- The Kitchen: for deli lunches
- Cinta Cafe: for a laid-back market vibe
- Hidden Leaf: for fresh organic fare and great balcony views
- Babbos: for wood-fired pizza and simple Italian cuisine
- Ocean Jewels: for fresh seafood
Why we love The Woodstock Exchange:
- WEX, as it’s affectionately known, is more than a shopping centre, it’s also home to a host of creatives, artisans and cutting-edge businesses in the offices and co-working spaces upstairs. Their infectious energy spills onto the retail and food scene on the ground floor where you’ll find forward-thinking fashion brands such as Grandt Mason, Ballo, Kingdom, Chapel, and Project Dyad, and local furniture designers Saks Corner, Elevenpast, Pedersen and Lennard, and FatSak. Honest Chocolate, Rosetta Roastery and Ocean Jewels are essential artisan food stops. Superette, Field Office, and Starling and Hero Bicycle Cafe add another dimension to the vibey cafe culture.
Find out more at woodstockexchange.co.za.
Agent insight:
What makes properties in Woodstock a good investment? It's alive with energy, culture and diversity. Its appeal extends beyond its vibrancy, with its convenient location and ease of access to the city centre and key attractions. Woodstock Quarter “the middle of everywhere” is situated in an urban development zone, highlighting its potential for investment and growth. The Woodstock Quarter provides competitive rates, making it a vibrant option for first-time homebuyers and investors.
-Craig Getz | Swish Property Group
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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