#MusicExchange: Francois Van Coke to pay tribute to Johnny Clegg
30 Jul 2020
Francois Van Coke will join a host of artists to pay tribute to Johnny Clegg in the Digital Tribute Concert on 31 July 2020.
In a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic figures in South African music history, the Johnny Clegg Tribute Show is going digital, featuring some of South Africa’s top performers as well as some international names online on the 31 July.
Johnny Clegg captured the hearts of a nation and the digital tribute concert will feature fellow musicians that will commemorate his life and his musical career; such as; Zolane, éVoid, Jesse Clegg, Ard Matthews, Dan Patlansky, Karen Zoid, Sipho Mchunu, Ross Learmonth, Arno Carstens, Soweto Gospel Choir, Shekhinah, Tresor, Majozi, Kahn Morbee, Francois van Coke, Anna Wolf and Nicholas Petricca of Walk The Moon.
I caught up with Francois last week
© Andre Badenhorst
The new decade means ?
At the moment it is just Corona Virus, but more algorithms, more Al and more music from me.
Fame is about?
Not trying to get recognized by people you know from high school when you go to the Pick ‘n Pay in tracksuit pants and slops.
Retirement will happen when?
I die
I don't do?
Banana
What does music mean to you?
I have three reasons to wake up in the morning. My daughter, my wife and music. Music is my life and also how I make a living.
Any funny moments on stage?
I have had many embarrassing and also loads of amazing moments on stage, funny ones don’t come to mind so quickly. I pushed Jack Parow into a crowd in Pretoria for his first crowd surf. He hated it and was pissed off with me, but now he does it every show. Funny.
© Andre Badenhorst
Which living person do you admire most and why?
Paul McCartney. Probably the greatest song writer ever, mid 77 and still puts on three hour shows. He is not human.
What is your most treasured possession?
Probably my house and my acoustic guitar.
It’s your round what are you drinking?
You’re drinking Fokof Lager & Jager. I am drinking rooibos tea.
Dream gig to do?
FVC & Vriende 2020 Sun Arena.
Nicknames?
Frannie
If you were not a musician what would you do?
I would be a retired rugby player.
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Anargis, bly in die burbs.
Five favourite SA albums of all time ?
Fuzigish - Skankers Union
Springbok Nude Girls - Neanderthal 1
Thieve - Extraordinary
Johannes Kerkorrel & Die Gereformeerde
Blues Band - Eet Kreef
Aking – Morning After
Greatest movie ever made?
Pulp Fiction
What song changed your life?
Nirvana – Smells like teen spirit
Who do you love?
Everybody that is lekker
What is your favorite word?
Fok
Favorite Fashion Garment
Black t-shirt. I own 20 plain black t-shirts, with the exactly same cut.
© Henry Engelbrecht
Give us some real proper slang and what it means
Dis duidelik! It means things are cool!
Top of your bucket list?
Learning to surf properly.
Your greatest achievement?
Being in a band with the same dudes for 17 years and still getting along. Fokofpolisiekar started in 2003.
What do you complain about most often?
I hate waiting.
What is your fear?
Going to jail.
On stage I tend to?
Scream
The best life lesson you have been taught?
You don’t have say yes to everything.
Where would you like to be right now?
I love traveling and touring, but my favourite place in the world is my home with my family.
Do you do charity work and if you do –what do you do ?
Yeah. I have worked with the Vrede Foundation on a bunch of projects over the years. They assist young people with cancer. The foundation has recently disbanded. I will be working with Badisa in the future. They work on protecting and caring for woman and kids that are subjected to domestic violence etc. I will be releasing a co- branded watch that will be sold in aid of the foundation.
Wishes and dreams?
I wish the Corona pandemic will come to an end soon and I wish for less violence and crime in SA and I dream of making some more good music.
Social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
www.francoisvancoke.co.za
Ticket Info:
R100 Tribute Virtual ticket – Ticket to the livestream.
R150 Competition Virtual Ticket – Ticket to the live stream and stand the chance to win a personalised limited edition Johnny Clegg Final Journey Tour jacket
R200 Donation Virtual Ticket - Ticket to the livestream and a donation of R100 to the Smile Foundation.
Purchasing a ticket will give you access to the Digital Concert on the 31st July 2020 at 8pm. The Concert will be available for rebroadcast from the 1st -8th August 2020 if you have a ticket.
Tickets available via: tickets.heroticket.co.za
