Kerk Straat: Putting heart, grit back into Afrikaans rock

A house on Kerk Street in Potchefstroom filled with memories of music and a father laid the foundation for one of the North-West University’s most promising alternative Afrikaans rock bands, Kerk Straat.

Francois Viviers – lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and founder of the band, grew up in the house on Kerk Street. After losing his father in 2007, music became a vital part of preserving their bond, he told 3SM during an interview with the band.

“My dad and I used to listen to records together – that’s my first memory of music,” Viviers said. Now he is channeling his passion for music into something real and meaningful. And loud.

Viviers, who is busy with a postgraduate diploma in business management at the NWU, is known for his role in the local lifestyle TikTok brand Nog ‘n dag in Potch, which he co-founded with Wehan van Rooyen. When the idea of starting a band emerged, his business partner supported his leap into music. Viviers now balances the band and the brand, which Van Rooyen now runs.

PEOPLE WHO PLAY WELL

The band’s story started at, Music ECT a local music store in Potchefstroom. It was here that Viviers worked alongside Christo Franken, an engineering student and the band’s bassist. Their journey began after Viviers was asked to play electric guitar for Franken’s previous band, Ou Tekkies. After that performance, the two discussed starting a band, and not just for fun.

“We didn’t want to randomly throw friends together and learn as we go. We wanted people who already knew how to play– and play well,” Viviers said.

The first name on Viviers’ list was drummer Caleb Bediako, a final-year pharmacy student at the NWU. The two met at the Sonneblom Festival while watching a performance by Die Piesangskille. Bediako’s energy struck Viviers, and he knew he would call on him when the time was right. That time came, and Bediako said yes.

The final piece of the band puzzle came through Bediako’s recommendation. He had seen guitarist Jason Coetzee perform with Veervol during one of the NWU’s battle of the bands events. Coetzee, an IT student, was invited to join as lead guitarist.

Chanzelle Botha, an economics student and Viviers’ partner, quickly stepped up as the band’s manager after realising no one had considered organising performances. On 23 August 2024, the band was officially a unit.

SONGS FROM THE HEART

Their genre, alternative Afrikaans rock is familiar enough to resonate with larger audiences, but distinct from mainstream trends. Bediako explained.

They practice almost every night, especially before a performance and are currently working on their next song. Viviers writes the songs, while the entire band collaborates on composing the music. “I try to write from a deep within. I want our songs to be relatable from any perspective,” he said. Often, he turns to Franken and Coetzee first as soon as its done, as they tend to guide the band’s melodic direction.

Kerk Straat’s approach to music is matched by their commitment to professionalism. “This isn’t just a student phase. We’re all in this for the long term,” Viviers said. “We all have Kerk Straat in our future.”

NO ROCKSTAR LIFESTYLE

The band’s first demos were released in 2024. Finally, after months of sending their music out, they signed with Next Music in February 2025. The label now handles their distribution. On 2 May, they dropped their third single Val on Spotify.

Their next performance will be on July 17, 2025, at the Big Prims event on the NWU’s Potchefstroom campus.

Bediako said the band works hard – not just on their music, but also on the sometimes tedious things that are necessary for success.

LASTING LEGACY

“What sets us apart from other bands is our intentionality and commitment to doing the necessary things a lot of musicians avoid.” Bediako said.

The members of Kerk Straat aren’t swept up in the rock-and-roll fantasy. “We do rock songs, but we don’t live the rockstar lifestyle,” Franken said. “There’s a right and wrong way to do this, and we’re choosing the right way.”

They credit the band for their personal growth. Coetzee shared that being part of Kerk Straat helped him redefine his friendships and let go of toxic influences. Bediako said it taught him to trust people. For Viviers, the band is the first space where he feels he can be himself. “My whole life I had to hide my dreams; I had to adapt to fit in. Now, I’m surrounded by people who support them,” he said.

That support also comes from their fans. The band makes a point to stay at least an hour after each performance to engage with the audience. “We want people to know the band, not the label,” Bediako said.

Their advice for aspiring musicians is: “Don’t wait for labels to get you gigs. Go get gigs yourself,” Franken said.

In a town where many bands fade as quickly as they form, Kerk Straat stands out, not just for their music, but for their purpose. They’re not chasing fame. They’re building something that lasts.