Rock out with Francois van Coke and friends

If you love rock ‘n roll like Britney, who’s been in “lockdown” longer than anyone, you’re probably missing the raw energy and visceral power of live stage performances and the community-driven experience of music festivals. Before you drown yourself in nostalgia, there’s literally nothing stopping you from buying a lighter, candles, incense, plastic cups, overpriced drinks, dodgy food truck takeaways and setting up a makeshift tent (or pillow fort) in your living room to help you enjoy the Afrikaans music documentaries on Showmax.

Here are six local-is-lekker rock concerts to curate your own playlist and host your very own music festival.

Fokofpolisiekar: The Sound of Fokof Unplugged

Fokofpolisiekar (F**k Off Police Car) is an angst-filled Afrikaans alternative rock band hailing from Bellville near Cape Town. The five-piece band was conceived in 2003 and like all great rock bands, its members have gone on to pursue solo projects and join other groups. The Sound of Fokof Unplugged gives the iconic and controversial-lite band a chance to reunite and reinvent their upbeat and loud punk rock for a show inspired by VH1 Storytellers and MTV Unplugged.

Fokofpolisiekar’s frontman, Francois van Coke, is known for his acrobatic live performances with numerous artsy black-and-white photos to prove it. While pent up, he pivots from a bar stool to channel the same intensity from his live performances and “Die Wereld is Kak Mal” T-shirt into his Emo vocals. The acoustic set works surprisingly well for the punk rockers, who play against an eclectic Nirvana Unplugged type backdrop minus the candles. It’s a lighter side to the group, engaging with the audience through self-deprecating chirps, geographic tributes and nuggets of Fokof trivia.

Jack Parow: Parow to Parowfest

Zander Tyler is the mild-mannered man behind the personality, brand or phenomenon known as Jack Parow. The trademark long peak cap and bling convert Tyler into a rollicking entertainer whose stage name was derived from an Oscar-nominated Keith Richards impersonation. Yet, he’s so much more than a Kaptein as this music and concert documentary unpacks his origin story and enduring career.

The local rapper’s boundless energy, playful style and vibey choons have earned him cult status – one of the few local musicians to break through on the international scene. Starting just hours before he’s set to take the stage at Parowfest in the Netherlands, we rewind to his childhood in Parow, getting a behind-the-scenes perspective from family, friends, journalists, peers and Tyler himself.

Livin’ the dream, we discover Jack Parow is a hyperextension of Tyler’s personality, rising to fame in the disillusioned “Zef” era of Fokofpolisiekar and Die Antwoord. While Parow may struggle with revolving doors and elevators, it’s us who should be doffing our caps.

Die Heuwels Fantasies: Live in Lockdown

Die Heuwels Fantasties (The Hills Fantastic) is an Afrikaans electronic band who dabble with guitars but don’t want to be defined by them. Composed of friends from other bands including Hunter Kennedy (Fokofpolisiekar) and Laudo Liebenberg (aKING), this Live in Lockdown show features guest appearances from Francois van Coke, Arno Carstens, Tarryn Lamb and Jack Parow.

Described as a “high budget band practice”, this album launch was one of their rare performances where they’re not playing in front of a live audience. Opting to entertain a wall of expectant faces instead, the live-streamed studio performance has a The Killers vibration channeling psychedelic visuals on LCD displays and fuelling the electronic fire through strobe lighting with a saxophone to add sass.

While a little alienating with the band essentially playing in captivity, the kaleidoscopic hybrid of music video and live performance has a clean energy that matches their uplifting rock music. An emotional experience for the band members, it’s a magical opportunity for them to unleash new songs and connect with people beyond the confines of their pandemic bubble.

Francois van Coke & Die Gevaar 2021

Just like his gassy and sugary namesake, Francois van Coke seems to be everywhere you look. The lead singer of Fokofpolisiekar has been a member of several bands and musical collaborations, made guest appearances, launched a solo career and if this trajectory is anything to go by will be starring in his own sitcom.

A livewire stage presence with unbridled energy and driving vocals, he’d be an invincible Afrikaans rock god if it weren’t for his leg injury. Powering through the pain in this full band performance, van Coke still captures his trademark gees. Playing against cool rock star certified visualisations including skulls, pitbulls, lyrics and kaleidoscopic images, this flashy rock show pops with Die Gevaar (The Danger) in full flight.

A quickfire edit, nifty guitar solos, bouncy dark pop rock numbers and full tilt performances capture the spirit of a live concert. Part live audience and part live-streaming performance, the hybrid show requires some dexterous audience engagement with the odd retort of “hier gat ons”. 

Francois van Coke: Agter Die Tunes

The innovative Francois van Coke has crafted a number of shows during lockdown, including the minimalist and personal Stories Agter Die Tunes, in which he unpacks some of the best stories from his almost 20-year music career. From his earliest days of listening to Nirvana and Pearl Jam, like many misunderstood teens, he became obsessed with the idea of grabbing a microphone and the spotlight. His honest VH1 Storytellers style concert gives van Coke a chance to recount his career from a kak cover of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and competing in Battle of the Bands before founding Fokofpolisiekar.

Settling into a suburban digs with wild parties in Durbanville, the sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll lifestyle was strong with Fokofpolisiekar whose mere presence scared their neighbours. With stories about everything from wild concerts to death threats, Stories Agter Die Tunes paints a colourful portrait of a rock star’s journey from a laidback and dimly lit setting, where acoustic performances and black-rimmed glasses create an open and ironically naked mood.