Afrikaans is Lekker is an annual South African concert that is held in Australia and New Zealand. South African Events hosted the South African gathering. This year artists such as Emo Adams, Liza Bronner, Refentse, Ricus Nel and Steve Hofmeyr entertained South Africans abroad.

According to Sue-Ann de Wet, AfriForum’s Project Coordinator for South African Diaspora, four of the five concerts were sold out. After only two concerts the artists’ CDs were sold out. Worldwide acted as proud sponsor for Afrikaans is Lekker. “We sponsor, because it is important for us that South Africans outside our country can come together informally and still celebrate their South African roots, whether they are coming back or not. They are our family, friends and ambassadors, and we cannot afford to lose them.”

The 2017 tour concluded in Sydney this weekend. There were also performances in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Auckland.

Here is what the stars had to say about the event:

Steve Hofmeyr

Thank you to each ex-South African that came to chat. Thank you especially to the families that travelled up to 1 300 km to come join us. Thank you for your stories of sorrow, longing and success. My pride knows no bounds. I sometimes see how 800 people all collectively swallow a lump in their throats when I sing Liefling. Everyone remembers something somewhere. The nostalgia runs high here; everyone misses South Africa and many expats regularly visit with grannies and grandpas and cousins in South Africa.

I always ask where they are from: Durban, Bloemfontein, Kempton Park, Stella, Rustenburg, Brits and Vereeniging. All the children still speak Afrikaans. I am speechless.

Emo Adams

What an incredible tour with #AfrikaansIsLekker this year. The love from the South African audiences had me wiping a tear from my eyes. The feeling of togetherness and community was overwhelming.

More so it was the combination of artists that were coupled on this tour. There was someone for every taste. What impressed me most was the respect that the artists showed towards each other.

No politics, no egos… Just good music, and the audiences could notice that.

One doesn’t have a choice but to cast a light on South African Events for the type of shows that not only bring entertainment, but also bring and keep together South African communities… This naturally also goes hand in hand with amazing sponsors.

Ricus Nel

All I can say of our Australia and New-Zealand tour called ‘Afrikaans is Lekker 2017’ is that it is unforgettable! We made memories. What an experience. Definitely a highlight in my life. To again come visit old South Africans and sing in front of even fuller audiences than sometimes at performances in South Africa, is unreal. From the stage I could see people cry and then laugh and then cry and laugh again. So much appreciation; so much emotion. PS: We must just bring along more CDs next time. It sold out like hot cakes!

To Arno Nel from South African Events and also to Worldwide we can only say thank you! You also made it so special for us off the stage! As a person who is FANATICAL about sport, I had the privilege in Adelaide to see the Oval Cricket Stadium and in Auckland I could walk on the rugby field of the Eden Park Stadium; I mean, how many can say that? What a privilege. We were really treated! All I can say is long live ‘Afrikaans is Lekker’ and I cannot wait to come again!

Liza Bronner

Afrikaans is Lekker … Wow, what an experience! I am so thankful and privileged to have been part of the 2017 Afrikaans is Lekker Australia and New Zealand tour! Arno from SA Events, his team and Worldwide put in a lot of effort for us. Thank you very much! I was astounded to see how much the people appreciate us; I felt at home at every show. The people’s hearts were so open to our songs and stories. To sing every show in front of a packed hall was an indescribable feeling and the chats, tears and laughter afterwards touched me profoundly. I could also not have asked for better people to share in this tour: Steve Hofmeyr; Emo Adams; Refentse; my husband, Ricus Nel; and of course, our technical team: Kappie, as we call him (Pieter Jan Kapp) and Divan kept me laughing. I cannot think of just one highlight – the entire tour was one big highlight in my life! I hope I can be as privileged again. My heart is full!

Concertgoers also shared their experience of the performances on social media:

Thank you that you visited and brought a little Afrikaans and culture along! See you again soon! – Teresa Meyer

This was easily the best concert I have seen to date in Australia – Daléne Pretorius

It was an outstanding concert. Looking forward to next year. – Laurika de Lange

These concerts to[pped] all the previous concerts. It was fantastic. – Jenny van Wyk

Selma Swarts shared this photo and wrote on Refentse’s Facebook page: “Of course no one was happier to have you here than your first fan in Australia.”

According to Arno Nel, from South African Events and organiser of the Afrikaans is Lekker concerts, it was a privilege to have toured with Steve Hofmeyr, Emo Adams, Ricus Nel, Liza Bronner and Refentse. “Everyone have given us their piece of Afrikaans and so much more. It was a huge tour that strung together the community in Australia and New Zealand. Next year we will do it again,” says Nel.

Afrikaans is Lekker 2018’s first three performances have already been announced. Auckland (15 June 2018), Brisbane (16 June 2018) and Perth (17 June 2018). The tour includes stars such as Theuns Jordaan and Refentse. More information and further performances will be announced at a later time. Tickets should be available by January 2018.