One of South Africa’s biggest celebrations of rock and alternative music is preparing to return to Pretoria, with Francois van Coke & Vriende set to take over SunBet Arena at Time Square on 9 October. Now in its seventh year, the annual event has become a fixture on the South African calendar, combining arena-sized production with a line-up built around collaboration and friendship.
Since launching in 2018, Francois van Coke & Vriende has sold out every edition, with the concept remaining refreshingly simple. Over the course of two hours, Francois van Coke shares the stage with artists with whom he has recorded and performed throughout his career, revisiting songs that have become staples of the Afrikaans rock and alternative scene.
Joining him in 2026 are familiar names and first-time collaborators alike. Spoegwolf, Karen Zoid, Jack Parow, Fokofpolisiekar, Early B, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Neon Dreams, Van Pletzen, Tasché, Zaan Sonnekus and Hunter Kennedy will all appear, while Robbie Wessels makes his debut on the bill to perform the rugby anthem ‘Bokbefok’. Francois has also teased the inclusion of new material, including his recent single ‘Nagmerries’, alongside a setlist packed with songs spanning more than two decades.
Francois van Coke & Vriende has evolved into an annual gathering celebrating the artists who have helped shape contemporary Afrikaans music. If previous years are any indication, 2026’s edition promises another evening where collaboration, community and big songs take centre stage.
Go HERE for tickets.
