Alan Baker, the owner of popular Cape Town sound engineering business SK Sound, has died of Covid-19.
His sudden death has shocked the entertainment industry; Baker is synonymous with providing the sound at most events, including the Kaapse Klopse, Malay Choirs, school fairs and the Sactwu Spring Queen.
Baker, 61, owned Soundcheck and Lighting, previously known as SK Sound, and passed away on Monday.
The dad of two was admitted to Gatesville Melomed Hospital on Friday after suffering from shortness of breath and water on the lungs.
His business associate Zulfikar Paleker says Baker was diabetic and had a heart condition; he had a triple bypass ten years ago.
Baker was originally from Durban and over the years built up SK Sound to be one of the top sound and AV businesses in the country.
KNOWN: Alan owned sound engineering SK Sound
Entertainer Calvin Peters aka Uncle Cal says Baker always invested back into the communities who supported him: “Alan Baker has been a catalyst in the growth and success of many artists, bands and brands. A lot of businesses owe Alan a debt of gratitude and would not have been around if it wasn’t for him.
“My relationship with Alan Baker goes back 26 years when I made a natural progression from DJ to road manager/promoter for bands and groups in 1994.
“Alan invested in a brand new PA to accommodate me on this new journey as a leap of faith and as the years unfolded he played a huge part in supplying equipment for tours and concerts.”
Events coordinator Natasha Petersen says Baker and his expertise will be sorely missed: “Alan was approachable and would find a way to make a project work for you. It’s going to be a very different music industry without Alan Baker.”