Electronic Artist Remixes a Chassidic Song

Watch: David Scott, a South African electronic music artist known as The Kiffness, created a dance remix of "Im Hashem Lo Yivneh Bayis," composed by Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz and sung by the Shira Choir. Full Story, Video

January 18, 2022 – 16 Shevat 5782

By COLlive reporter

David Scott, an electronic music artist from South Africa, become known during the global Covid-19 pandemic for his online parodies and musical content with both humans and animals under the label “The Kiffness.”

His more recent collaboration was a Jewish one.

In 2013, Shraga Gold, founder and manager of the Shira Choir held a Bar Mitzvah celebration for his son in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY, and was joined by the Chassidic members of the men’s choir.

Together, they sang the song “Im Hashem Lo Yivneh Bayis” composed by philanthropist Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz on the words of Dovid Hamelech in chapter 127 in the book of Tehillim.

Scott used his Akai Professional MPK Mini keyboard controller to add various beats to the original song, making it a dance track. He then incorporated additional video footage of a Chassidic wedding in Israel and a tish of the Mashpia R’ Meilech Biderman in Beit Shemesh.

The result has been received with enthusiasm by Jews and non-Jews alike, receiving close to 500,000 views since last Friday.

“Man, this remix is pure KOSHER! Cheers from Poland!” wrote Duke Johnny. Stefania Brunori wrote: “This is so beautiful! How good life would be for everyone if we were more capable to see beauty beyond races, countries, religions and political views. Thanks for the music you do, and for showing that we are always (and only) ONE.”

After Shabbos, comments from Jews started coming in too. “My favourite South African artist remixing a Jewish song!!! Best thing to find after Shabbos!” wrote Sarit Shull.

“Ah, Kiff, you’re a mensch!” wrote rowdybliss. “And mazel tov to you and your wife and your new baby! You are a blessing to the world, and may the joy you give to the world be returned to you sevenfold.”

Universal Music Group recording artist Shulem Lemmer commented on it: “Great job!!” Scott responded: “Shulem thank you so much! I feel very honoured that one of the original singers from the video approves.”

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