Kai Scott is a South African singer-songwriter based in Cape Town. His unique songwriting style – influenced by writers like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Syd Barrett as well as composers like Hailu Mergia and John Fahey – has attracted the attention of those who have encountered it at various shows around Cape Town and at festivals like Up The Creek.
He released his first full folk album in June 2025 and continues to write and debut new music at every performance.
While Scott’s songwriting takes an old style of folk music, he brings it into the modern day with references to climate change and political tyranny. By combining this with the personal, his music tries to capture the dread of being a young person in the 2020s. Another key feature of his music is his storytelling. He balances the navigation of complex emotions in the modern day with a sardonic sense of humour to convey vivid narratives. With his live repertoire consisting of a combination of original music and the occasional classic folk cover, he hopes to participate in revitalising an interest in folk music and take the genre in new directions.
Band: Guitar and Vox – Kai Scott
Elec Guitar: Khaya Mthembu-Salter
Drumkit: Tanatswa Aaliyah
Bass: Adam Selikowits
Keys: Adam Powell