By Norman van den Wildenberg 
For over 23 years, François van Coke and Hunter Kennedy have written songs together that have become the soundtrack to countless memories for their fans. Beyond the Fokofpolisiekar catalogue, the pair have also co-written well loved party tracks such as “Daarsy Boys” and “Hartseer Freaks,” released under François’s solo name.
Now the duo return with a new addition to that catalogue. “Aksie Braai” is not a conventional braai song. If anything, it might be the saddest one ever written. As François puts it, the track is ‘burnout wrapped in a braai song’.
“uitbranding toegedraai in ‘n braai song”.
Hunter describes the meaning behind the single in his own words: ‘This song is for late nights when you burn wood and things get deep. When you need a little courage. For the turn of events. For catching your breath before the final sprint to the finish line.’
The Story Behind the Title
The origin of the name “Aksie Braai” goes back around two decades, to an interview with the legendary Springbok rugby player Os du Randt. François recounts how the idea came about: ‘About 20 years ago we read an interview with the legendary Springbok, Os du Randt. In the interview they asked him “what is your favourite movie” and his answer was “action”. They also asked him “what is your favourite food”. He answered “braai”. We thought it was very funny, “action braai”. We joked about it for a while and Hunter even had it as his Facebook bio for a while, “action braai”.’
A Comical Braai Olympics
The accompanying music video pairs the song’s emotional lyrics with a comical take on the Braai Olympic Games. In the video, François and Hunter play the underdogs, going up against seasoned professional braai competitors in categories that include a boerewors relay and a potjie power race.