Why Fokofpolisiekar s Forgive em for ey Know Not What ey Do...
08/02/2017
Image Credits: Gallo Images
--
In 2003, Afrikaans punk rock band fokofpolisiekar revolutionised the South African music scene. Disillusioned with conservative Calvinism which was so deeply ingrained in Afrikaans culture and not afraid to question the Afrikaner identity associated with Apartheid, the band gave a jaded generation a new identity.
Their documentary, Fokofpolisiekar: Forgive Them for They Know Not What They Do was first released in 2009 and won the Audience Award at Encounters Documentary Festival that year. It is currently running on ShowMax and rumour has it, the band is due to release a new album later this year.
Directed by Bryan Little, who later went on to direct U2's music video for This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now. His documentary, African Cypher, won both the Encounters audience award and the Durban International Film Festival jury prize. Wim Steytler, who worked as editor on the documentary, has made the switched to director and has won the CFP-E/Shots Young Director Award at Cannes Lions in 2014.
But even six years after its release, the documentary is still pertinent. Just as the lyric in their title track from their debut album says: En nou's dit ses jaar later // En soms voel als nogsteeds dieselfde .
The documentary explores, amongst other things, how fokof jolted a subculture of young, white South Africans who were as disillusioned with the church, Apartheid and Afrikaner as they were into rebelling against their values. It also offers some insight into the whirlwind rise of a band who was never even supposed to get radio play considering their apparently offensive name.
The documentary asks serious questions about just how obsessed Afrikaner (and to an extent, Afrikaans) culture still is with the church, underscored by the incident involving bassist Wynand Myburgh - writing Fuck God on singer Bobby van Jaarsveld's brother's wallet. It made the pages of Afrikaans dailies several times over and ignited a debate about the value of freedom of speech from some members of the church.
Would an incident like this even have been a footnote in European countries? Probably not. That small incident and the subsequent snowball effect, then, underscores the influence the band had on the ideals their music set out to question.
What the documentary lacks, though, is a more acute exploration of the deeply self-destructive spiral some of the members fell into.
Drummer Snake jumping out of a moving car, breaking his arm and a temp drummer having to be brought in for a recording is featured, but it rarely ventures deep into the challenges that came with being thrown into the limelight.
The film is also dated slightly by the lack of a deeper examination of the band being open to misinterpretation (their words).
At times during their journey, they were misinterpreted and not just by the systems they were fighting against. As they grew in popularity and attracted a more mainstream audience (often those same rugby-playing, box-ticking sheep that attracted more than a few mentions in the lyrics) gigs which once felt like a sanctuary sometimes felt hostile. Also absent is the broader debate on who might identify as an Afrikaner, a debate that is becoming increasingly poignant.
Of course, these considerations are all in hindsight. And what fokof managed to achieve still remains one of the most extraordinary things in the South African music industry.
To this day, they have no contemporaries. While many other Afrikaans rock bands drew inspiration from Die Bende, no one else has so far managed to replicate the success or relevance.
And if you ever wondered how it all happened, or you want a flashback to your pissed off and bloodied up mosh pit days, this is a good start.
What the critics said in 2009:
Will literally blow fans away. It's a socio-political time capsule that will make an even more interesting retrospective 20 years from now. If you're a South African and you like rock music, it's a must-see. Spling
For rock n roll voyeurs, it's priceless viewing A landmark. Channel24
Captures the way the controversial band gave voice to a generation of young Afrikaners disillusioned with the church, the state and their Apartheid heritage. The Callsheet
For fans of the band, this is the holy grail. IMDB review
LINK: | https://www.thesouthafrican.com/why-fokofpolisiekars-forgive-them-for-... |
See more stories from thesouthafrican |
Africa Stories
29/03/2024
Muvhango: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Muvhango: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African webs...
29/03/2024
Gqeberha: The Empire - Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Gqeberha: The Empire - Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South...
29/03/2024
My Brother's Keeper: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]
My Brother's Keeper: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sou...
29/03/2024
Umkhokha: The Curse - Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Umkhokha: The Curse - Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South ...
29/03/2024
Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African s...
29/03/2024
House of Zwide: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]
House of Zwide: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South African...
28/03/2024
DJ Sbu makes shock return to SABC radio after almost a decade
DJ Sbu makes shock return to SABC radio after almost a decadeRevered radio host, media personality, philanthropist, and businessman DJ Sbu will finally be back ...
28/03/2024
Smoke and Mirrors: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Smoke and Mirrors: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Afr...
28/03/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Zanele informs Zola of her pregnancy
Tonight on House of Zwide: Zanele informs Zola of her pregnancyDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie House of Zwide o...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe outsmarts Gabisile but Difa's suspicion rises
Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe outsmarts Gabisile but Difa's suspicion risesDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie U...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Uzalo: Mbatha wins Linda Sibiya over
Tonight on Uzalo: Mbatha wins Linda Sibiya overDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Uzalo on SABC 1 on DStv channel...
28/03/2024
Generations: The Legacy - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Generations: The Legacy - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The S...
28/03/2024
Prison Journalism: Witness the Cycle from the Streets
Prison Journalism: Witness the Cycle from the StreetsWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore...
28/03/2024
Prison Journalism: Inmate pre-release and release processes
Prison Journalism: Inmate pre-release and release processesDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctiona...
28/03/2024
Streaming today: When You Finish Saving The World' on Netflix - 28 March 2024
Streaming today: When You Finish Saving The World' on Netflix - 28 March 20...
28/03/2024
Prison Journalism: The Story of Paulus
Prison Journalism: The Story of PaulusDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice progra...
28/03/2024
Prison Journalism: Inside and Outside
Prison Journalism: Inside and OutsideFawaaz Adendorff was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Correctional Centre and participated in a Restorative Justice programme whil...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Muvhango: Imani escapes Khumo's hellhole
Tonight on Muvhango: Imani escapes Khumo's hellholeDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Muvhango on SABC 2 on DS...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Generations: Kea can sense her brother is hiding something
Tonight on Generations: Kea can sense her brother is hiding somethingDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Generation...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Magolide and Tiny compete against each other
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Magolide and Tiny compete against each otherDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Smoke...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Champions: Washington's struggle takes an unexpected turn
Tonight on Champions: Washington's struggle takes an unexpected turnDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Champio...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Tibi's meltdown softens a teacher
Tonight on Scandal: Tibi's meltdown softens a teacherDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! on e.tv on DS...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Gqeberha: Lulama tells Thulani that she's pregnant with his child
Tonight on Gqeberha: Lulama tells Thulani that she's pregnant with his childDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie...
28/03/2024
Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso has the wrong end of the stick
Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso has the wrong end of the stickDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie My Br...
28/03/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa doubles down on his ill-treatment of Pretty
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa doubles down on his ill-treatment of PrettyDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem ...
28/03/2024
Smoke and Mirrors: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Smoke and Mirrors: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Af...
28/03/2024
Muvhango: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Muvhango: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African web...
28/03/2024
Gqeberha: The Empire - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Gqeberha: The Empire - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sout...
28/03/2024
Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African ...
28/03/2024
House of Zwide: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
House of Zwide: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South Africa...
28/03/2024
My Brother's Keeper: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
My Brother's Keeper: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The So...
28/03/2024
Uzalo: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [video]
Uzalo: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [video]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websit...
28/03/2024
Scandal!: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Scandal!: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African web...
28/03/2024
Umkhokha: The Curse - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Umkhokha: The Curse - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Generations: Hlomla is shaken that he came face to face with the stalker
Tonight on Generations: Hlomla is shaken that he came face to face with the stal...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Tiny and Magolide plot to get the Managerial position
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Tiny and Magolide plot to get the Managerial posit...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Oritonda gets to shine and it all seems to be going well for him
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Oritonda gets to shine and it all seems to be going well ...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Muvhango: Khumo, who is out on bail, tortures Imani
Tonight on Muvhango: Khumo, who is out on bail, tortures ImaniDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Muvhango on SABC...
27/03/2024
Scandal!: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Scandal!: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websi...
27/03/2024
House of Zwide: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]
House of Zwide: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South African ...
27/03/2024
Generations: The Legacy - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Generations: The Legacy - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sou...
27/03/2024
Streaming today: The Believers' on Netflix - 27 March 2024
Streaming today: The Believers' on Netflix - 27 March 2024Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your fa...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Uzalo: Mondli thinks he may have an idea who robbed the police station
Tonight on Uzalo: Mondli thinks he may have an idea who robbed the police statio...
27/03/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith leaves Funani due to unappreciated support, despite Funani's pleas
Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith leaves Funani due to unappreciated support, des...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe tries to threaten Gabisile to not tell
Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe tries to threaten Gabisile to not tellDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Umkhokha: T...
27/03/2024
Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso threatens to move out of home over his parent's disrespect of his wife
Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso threatens to move out of home over h...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Gqeberha: Stokkie makes a major move for his future
Tonight on Gqeberha: Stokkie makes a major move for his futureDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Gqeberha: The Em...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Scandal: A young girl brings a dark cloud into her family's home
Tonight on Scandal: A young girl brings a dark cloud into her family's homeDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie...
27/03/2024
Tonight on Champions: Lebo gets career-changing news, but Ferrari looms large
Tonight on Champions: Lebo gets career-changing news, but Ferrari looms largeDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie C...
27/03/2024
Gqeberha: The Empire - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]
Gqeberha: The Empire - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South ...