By Marley
For a decade now, this Afrikaans rebel boy from Bellville has been rocking South Africa. Francois van Coke needs no introduction to our readers at Small Town Music, as we have been firm supporters of the man from the start of his solo career.
He recently released “Happy en Lucky”, which was made by Eric T. Graham from ETC Creative and made possible by Jägermeister (as always). This doccie looks at the past decade of Francois van Coke’s solo career, and they chat to a couple of the people who have been on the journey with him – Jack Parow, Hunter Kennedy, Wynand Myburgh (aka Valkie van Coke), Danie du Toit (Spoegwolf), Tasché, Peach van Pletzen, Zaan Sonnekus and more. Footage for the doccie was taken at Francois van Coke en Vriende 2025 and one of Francois’ shows at Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts, which are now captured as time capsules.
Older members of Francois’ band, Die Gevaar (Jedd Kossew and Richard Onraet), share intimate stories of the beginning years of his solo career. The spotlight is on the newer members of Die Gevaar (Kyle Botha, Pierre de la Porté and Stefan Mynhardt), which also resonates with Francois’ younger fans. To me, as a fan, I didn’t realise how much of an impact Francois has made on younger fans who grew up with FOKOFPOLISIEKAR and kie. And to hear how he inspires his band members to join him on stage and be musicians is quite cool. If there is a positive that came out of all the hard-party days, then I see that as a plus.
I enjoyed the documentary as it still follows that signature graffiti imagery in between, almost like a collective sticker booklet. I read Francois’ book “Dis hoe ek dit onthou”, and this documentary is almost a visual reflection of the last 10 years. Of course, Francois is also a family man (happily married to Lauren, and they have two kids); he is also a good friend to many. I can echo what was said in the doccie about Francois looking you in the eye when he speaks to you, and it is so true. I love chatting to him between the times he is on stage and off stage during festivals and solo shows.
He is one of the coolest guys.
Want to watch something truly South African? Then watch “Happy en Lucky” and let’s sit back and see what the next ten years will bring for Francois van Coke (en al sy vriende).
