Francois van Coke to Headline ROCK IN MY TAAL Concert at Carnival City's Big Top Arena

ROCK IN MY TAAL promises to be the Afrikaans rock event of the year when it plays Carnival City's Big Top Arena next Saturday. Francois van Coke and his band, Die Gevaar, will share the stage with Die Heuwels Fantasties, Saarkie, National Incident and The Sweet Resistance at the concert, which has been made possible with the friendly co-operation of Stuttaford Van Lines, RSG and Sounds Good.

In April 2015, Francois van Coke kicked off his solo career with a bang with the launch of his self-titled debut solo album. What followed can only be described as a year of unbounded success with numerous number ones, sold out shows, awards and shattered records left in its wake. Van Coke's second solo album, titled HIERDIE IS DIE LEWE, was released two months ago and he is making waves with the success once again. He comments on how the songs on HIERDIE IS DIE LEWE speak to the human condition:

Everything that happens between birth and death, our victories and our failures. That's the main theme of the album, but it's about a lot of stuff. It's about love, it's about friendship, it's about the future, the past, the present. I think the songs that I write are personal and really honest. Sometimes I feel like it's self-centered but I realised that those are the kinds of songs I like. I like guys that are honest and personal. I can relate to those kinds of songs, so those are the kinds of songs I want to write.

Van Coke also spent 13 years as the lead singer of Fokofpolisiekar and Van Coke Kartel, during which time he released nine full-length albums, three EPs and collaborated with likes of Jack Parow, Die Antwoord, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Seether and Karen Zoid. He has received multiple awards for his work, including four South African Music Awards.

Die Heuwels Fantasties is an Afrikaans alternative pop-rock group from Bellville in Cape Town. This ground-breaking group is considered to be the first successful Afrikaans electronic act, known for their energetic live performances. The group describes their music as melodic songs written on acoustic guitar, re-interpreted with electronic and organic instruments and have built a large fan base with their unique music. Die Heuwels Fantasties was formed in the beginning of 2008 when both Hunter Kennedy and Pierre Greeff's bands took a break. They formed their own record label, Supra Familias, at the same time. Die Heuwels Fantasties has played at all the major festivals in South Africa and has shared the stage with notable international acts, opening for Kings of Leon in 2012. They have also toured to the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

Die Heuwels Fantasties has won every notable award in South Africa for their music and music videos. Their self-titled first album and their second album, WILDER AS DIE WILDTUIN, both reached gold status in sales. Their third album, ALLES WAT MAL IS, reached gold status within three months after its release in February 2013. In May of that year, they released a DVD, LIVE OP PAUL CLUVER, which captures the magic of their live performances. That December, WENS JY WAS HIER - a deluxe album comprising of an EP with five brand new tracks, the ALLES WAT MAL IS album and the LIVE OP PAUL CLUVER DVD - was released. This album rose to the top of the charts on the day of its release on iTunes. December 2014 saw the release of their greatest hits vinyl, DEUNTJIES VIR DIE DRAAITAFEL, as well as their fourth full-length album, JA.NEE.LEKKER.

The Sweet Resistance is an alternative pop rock band from Cape Town. Their songs are rhythmic, melodic anthems plumbing the depths of life, love and opportunity. The band consists of Natasha Meister, better known as Tash, on vocals and guitars; Mike Vaughan on bass, keys and vocals; Gray Lowndes on guitars; and Nick Ornellas on drums. The band was officially formed after they recorded their debut album. Up to that point, they were simply a handful of like-minded musos, producers and engineers working collectively to write and produce inspiring songs. According to Meister, the inspiration was nothing but an overwhelming desire to make music between them, which was in them and for them. The band offers a sonic passage to a landscape of hope, determination, grace and inspiration, their sound embodying the genres of alternative electro-pop-rock, very much in line with current listening trends. Mesiter's engaging vocals inevitably draw in listeners, as does her rare ability to incorporate masterful guitar hooks with her intentional an storytelling and songwriting.

Saarkie has made massive waves in the South African music industry over the past ten years and can be described as the country's current favourite female rock group. This Ghoema and South African Music Award-nominated trio are responsible for every aspect of their music, which offers their listeners a unique, energetic, explosive music style that testifies of their talent, passion and synergy. Their funky electric-acoustic rhythm, solos and stage presence attracts audiences of all ages to join in with dancing.

National Incident was formed in 2017 and the band describe their sound as a fusion of alternative rock, blues rock, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. Their latest single "Take Your Time" has just been released.

ROCK IN MY TAAL will take place at Carnival City's Big Top Arena on 20 May at 20:00. Bookings can be made at online at Computicket or by phone on 0861 915 8000. Groups of ten or more than can receive substantial discounts by contacting Lefra Productions directly by email or by calling 011 815 3000.

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