Fokofpolisiekar: without doubt South Africa’s most revolutionary band since, what, 1652? This gang of walking, singing controversies is made up of the founding fathers of Afrikaans rock, and they have the following to prove it. And the band has just released a new album, Antibiotika. Exciting news for all of the angry teenagers and anyone with vaguely good taste in music. They have just completed a country-wide tour of the new album, their last leg being in Stellenbosch at the wonderful Klein Libertas Theatre. Academics, prior engagements and even food were all ceremoniously kicked aside for this gig that was quite simply impossible to miss.
The turnout was phenomenal! Granted it was an all-ages show but I never imagined the greater Stellenbosch area had such an enormous throng of angry kids! Then again, the Fokof fanbase is huge beyond comprehension for a local band, even after their recent hiatus. KLT was a great venue for the event, quite comfortably holding the masses and with great sound for the outdoor show. It was impossible to get near to the front of the stage, but media privileges had me up on stage alongside these legends to take photos. Experiencing the occasion from the other side is mind-blowing. To see the passion fans have for Fokof is pretty damn mind-blowing. And they deserve it!
The new album certainly won’t disappoint you. The lyrics characteristically speak of everyday local issues, frustrations and anger around the central idea that “hell is other people”. But I won’t divulge too much detail. I urge everyone out there to purchase the album, a worthwhile purchase if ever you enjoyed Fokof’s rocking tunes.
These guys are exceptionally talented artists and the gig was vigorous, explosive, loud and bursting with a turbulent fervour that not enough musicians possess. I treat this bit of writing more as a news bulletin than anything else, so go out and get your paws on Antibiotika and make sure you catch these guys live as soon as possible. You can hardly call yourself a good, sophisticated citizen until you have done so.
This review was first published in Cape Times on 23 October 2015. DIS EK,
ANNA. Directed by Sara Blecher, with Charlene Brouwer, Morne Visser, Nicola
Hanek...