Francois van Coke has the Midas touch

Not so long ago he formed part of a pioneering group in the rock music scene, Fokofpolisiekar. The band’s headstrong anthems questioned Afrikanerdom, patriarchy and with their swearword-included name became a household name (although the more conservative liked to mumble “Polisiekarre”).

While still in Fokofpolisiekar, Van Coke and bandmate Wynand Myburgh formed Van Coke Kartel – a rock phenomenon. Now, he is emerging as a pioneer in his own right, with his self-titled and penned solo debut.

And the gamble is paying off. The second single from the album Toe vind ek jou, a duet with Karen Zoid, already has more than 300 000 views on YouTube, a mere two weeks after its release.

SOLO. Francois van Coke performs during the 16th Woordfees of Stellenbosch University on March 9. Pictures: Gallo Images

His sound has matured and, lyrically, his album is earmarked to be one of the year’s successes. He takes a new path with his debut solo album, doing things a tad differently. He is no longer screaming about anxiety, folks. The iconic frontman launched his solo career with the successful release of his first single, Moontlik Nooit, on his website on February 20. The next single, the beautiful ballad Toe vind ek jou, continued the solid start.

Van Coke and Zoid became friends during the year they prepared for the song. She inspired the rocker to make himself vulnerable with the song and the result was perfect harmony.

Van Coke and Zoid teamed up after appearing on her talk show, Republiek van Zoid Afrika last year. But Van Coke has for a long time been able to perform on his own. Just last year he did acoustic solos at Oppikoppi, proving his undeniable talent and appeal. Hundreds of fans flocked to the smallest stage of the festival to hear the muso do his own thing. Coinciding with the single’s success is an album tour, making Van Coke a busy man. For the album launch tour, the rocker put together a band of great musicians to give fans an unforgettable live experience. The band includes Jedd Kossew (Van Coke Kartel) on lead guitar, Richard Onraet (Jesse Clegg) on rhythm guitar, Rudolph Willemse on bass and keyboard and Sheldon Yoko (Die Heuwels Fantasties) on drums.

The truth is, this is Van Coke’s year, so be part of it.