FRANCOIS DU PLESSIS

Based in Cape Town

Francois du Plessis, undoubtedly Cape Town's top one man band; started his musical career at the tender age of 6, when his father taught him to play the guitar. Over the years, many people helped him nurture his talent until he made the inevitable transition to professional musician in 1986 at the age of 21.

Today Francois is the busiest artist in his genre in Cape Town. He is known for his amazing energy and ability to read the audience; always playing the right song at the perfect time. Francois performs with a wireless headset microphone and a wireless guitar, which means that he is not always stage-bound, and is able to serenade the guests.

Through his travels the past 20 years, Francois has performed in many luxurious hotels, upmarket restaurants, popular taverns, pubs and shows. During this time, he put together an extremely versatile repertoire, which ranges from Rock to Jazz, Funk to Blues, Pop to Reggae and the classic Balladeer tunes.

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This enabled him to entertain audiences and guests at many private functions, ranging from large corporate functions and formal cocktail parties, to birthday- and wedding celebrations!

After settling in Cape Town at the end of 1991, Francois has pursued his solo career with vigor and has created a great demand for his performances, performing on average 5 nights a week, since 1993 and often breaking the 7 night-a-week barrier!

In 1997, he recorded a self-funded album of his original music; with his band Brenton Blue, which at present still receives airplay in South Africa. In 2000 he recorded three songs with Duncan Mackay, (10CC and Steve Harley and the Cockney Rebel fame), who also collaborated on keyboards and production of the songs.

Francois went to Dubai in 2001, with an expanded repertoire to please the diverse crowd in this prestige entertainment location. After his successful trip abroad he has taken his performances to a new level. With the introduction of his acoustic guitar - as well as the new swing set, which includes some Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Michael Buble and Robbie Williams's classics - he has shown that he is able to successfully reinvent himself to conquer an ever changing commercial market.

In June 2004, GEAC- Runtime - an International IT company based in London UK - invited Francois to perform at their function for 43 people in Vejle; Denmark. The invite came after the CEO saw Francois perform at Quay 4, during a business trip. A return trip is in the planning as the evening was a great success. Further international performances include a corporate function for Ingenico at the Gleneagles Hotel, Country club and Spa in May 2006, as well as a street party in Idstein, Germany. The latter impromptu gig was performed to about 60 guests whilst on holiday.

Francois remains the top solo entertainer in Cape Town, due to his versatility, his ability to read his audience and his tremendous stage presence. No wonder that top national companies like SA Breweries, Rabie properties and Escom continue to employ his talents, year after year, function after function.