By Norman van den Wildenberg 
Francois van Coke & Vriende is back, bringing together some of the biggest names in South African rock and alternative music for an electric two-hour arena show. What makes the concert unique is its format: every artist on the line-up has collaborated and released music with Francois, and during the show they join him on stage to perform the hits they created together.
‘We are going to make the 2026 version of Francois van Coke & Vriende incredible, I promise. It is going to be a night we will never forget,’ says Francois van Coke.
New songs and returning favourites
Francois confirms that new material will feature in the set. He is particularly looking forward to performing his latest single, “Nagmerries”, and says the set will be packed with hits from all your favourite alternative Afrikaans artists. Tasche and Zaan Sonnekus will perform their hit “Dood”, and Francois is also looking forward to revisiting songs from across his career.
‘I’m looking forward to playing tunes from the last 23 years with Die Gevaar, Fokofpolisiekar and my insane tjommies,’ he says.
The 2026 line-up
This year’s edition welcomes a number of returning faces as well as a notable debut. Robbie Wessels joins the line-up for the first time to perform the rugby anthem “Bokbefok”. Early B and Neon Dreams make a welcome return, alongside Spoegwolf, Karen Zoid, Jack Parow, Fokofpolisiekar, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Zaan Sonnekus, Van Pletzen, Tasché and Hunter Kennedy.
Francois van Coke & Vriende takes place on Friday, 9 October at SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria.
Elodie Renard 
Jan Vranken