Arno Carstens and Francois van Coke unplugged

Rockers Arno Carstens and Francois van Coke will pair up during the month of May, performing in Cape Town, Sandton and Pretoria as part of an unplugged collaboration series that will include Springbok Nude Girls, Fokofpolisiekar and Van Coke Kartel hits, as well popular tracks from Arno Carstens solo career and a few covers from both artists. Francois van Coke is the lead singer of Fokofpolisiekar and Van Coke Kartel. During his ten-year career as lead singer of these Afrikaans rock bands, he has released 6 full-length albums, 3 EP’s and collaborated with likes of Jack Parow, Die Antwoord and Die Heuwels Fantasties. He has received 3 SAMA awards and multiple MK Awards.

Arno Carstens and Francois Van Coke

"Francois is one of the hardest working and most powerful performers I have ever encountered.  I’m looking forward to see what the outcome of our collaboration holds.  Our mutual love for rock music will be celebrated in a stripped down fashion. All I can say is that I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Francois. I know the shows are going to be something very special." says Carstens. As the lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls and subsequently as a solo artist, Arno Carstens has released 10 studio albums (5 as the lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls, 1 as half of the Electronica project, Bhelltower and 4 as a solo artist). He has had over 20 top ten singles, won 5 South African Music Awards and shared the stage with legends of the music world including U2, The Rolling Stones and REM. "I have been a fan of Arno, his voice and the Springbok Nude Girls for more than 15 years and I am very excited to tour and play with him.  We have shared the stage a couple of times in the past, but this time it will be more structured and rehearsed. I'm also excited to do some of our favourite covers together in the show." says Francois. Catch them on 16 - 18 May at Die Boer Theatre in Cape Town (www.dieboer.com ); 19 - 20 May at Theatre on the Square, Sandton (www.theatreonthesquare.co.za) and 22 May at Atterbury Theatre, Pretoria (www.atterburytheatre.co.za ).