Come ‘kuier’ with RAAF
RAAF, formerly known as the Bottomless Coffee Band, is on tour in Namibia for the sixth time in January and February.“Namibia is not a new addition to our annual calendar, but an annual highlight!” Lourens and Esté Raaf say.
“This year is our sixth time in Namibia with Gobabis and Etosha as new additions to our line-up. This year, we’re travelling with Destinations Namibia, an exciting initiative that focuses on various attractions, accommodation establishments and highlights in the different areas. We hope to take all South Africans watching our tour from home with us on an exploration of Namibia. We’ll be showing them what places and detours are all possible with our camper van.”
The couple arrives in Windhoek today and their tour starts immediately.
“We’ll interrupt our tour to see the Imagine Dragons and Sting concerts in South Africa and then we’ll be back in Namibia for our performance in Swakopmund.”
RAAF was previously known as the Bottomless Coffee Band but changed their name in October last year. “It’s part of the story we’re coming to tell Namibia this year. It's been six years of exploring, concerts and incredible memories in Namibia. It's all thanks to one significant moment where two groups of people crossed paths.”
This was in 2015 at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn.
“After our performance, we were called over and went to say goodbye a little hesitantly, because, at that time of night, the risk of being drawn into exuberant socializing with strangers is high. It wasn't five minutes and we knew we were in the presence of great people. One of Deon Blaauw's first sentences to us was: “But have you played in Namibia yet?”
The next week, their first Namibian visit for 2016 was organised and a long-standing institution began.
“We skipped 2020 and 2021 due to circumstances, but we kicked off 2022 and resumed our tours,” they say.
“We want to thank everyone who has contributed to incredible experiences in Namibia over the years. We don't know how to articulate how much these adventures mean to us as individuals, but also as musicians. This year we also specifically say thank you to everyone who puts in a lot of effort and time to make the 2023 tour possible.”
Tickets for their performances are available via Webtickets, at Pick n Pay stores or on 081 127 2725.
Tour dates
20 January – Mariental Padstal
21 January – Omateko Conference Centre & Lodge, Gobabis
27 January – Tsumeb Gymnasium
28 January – Etosha Safari Camp
3 February – Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre
10 February – Droombos, Windhoek