Raaf (musical group)

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Raaf (musical group)

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Born|

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Nationality| South Africa
Alma mater| Stellenbosch University
Occupation| Singer-songwriter
Years active| 2010
Website| raafhome.co.za

Raaf (stylised in all caps) is a South African singer-songwriter duo formed by Lourens Rabé (Vocals, Drums, Guitar, Harmonica) and Esté Rabé (Vocals, Bass, Ukulele, Piano) in Stellenbosch in 2010. They were known as "Bottomless Coffee Band" until 2022 when they changed their name to their surname's ("Rabé") Afrikaans meaning "Raaf" (English "raven").[1]

## Contents

* 1 Biography
* 2 Members
* 3 Name change
* 4 Discography
* 4.1 Raaf
* 4.2 Bottomless Coffee Band
* 5 Trivia
* 6 References
* 7 External links

## Biography[edit]

Lourens and Esté started Bottomless Coffee Band as students at Stellenbosch University. The band gained attention in the Cape Winelands for their folk-rock sound, combining elements of folk, rock and blues with a variety of instruments, including acoustic and electric guitar, harmonica, banjo, accordion, ukulele, ukulele-bass and foot-percussion and the Farmer-Footdrums. Their music often features themes of love, adventure, and the human experience.[2][3][4]

The name "Bottomless Coffee Band" was inspired by the duo's idea of endless creativity and connection that coffee brings.[3] Under this name, they released multiple albums, including "Room with a View" (2014)[5] and "Anthelia" (2017)[6], and Sitkamer Sessions (2018).[4]

Before the duo took up music professionally, Lourens worked for four years as an investment analyst focusing on hedge funds. Esté headed up a theatre company and did part-time acting. They both left their day-jobs in 2016[7] to pursue touring full-time.[8][9][3]

## Members[edit]

Lourens Rabé grew up in Durbanville, South Africa. After matriculating at Stellenberg High School, Bellville he studied Law at the University of Stellenbosch and Financial Analysis at the University of Cape Town.

Esté Rabé (née Nell) grew up in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa. After matriculating at Oranje Meisiesskool, Bloemfontein she studied drama at the University of Stellenbosch. [8]

## Name change[edit]

In October 2022, the duo announced a significant change in their journey by rebranding themselves as Raaf. The decision to change the name was driven by the desire to reflect the evolution of their sound, personalities and artistic direction. The name-change was broadcasted live on RSG during a radio-interview at the US Woordfees in Stellenbosch.[10]

A Raaf (English: Raven) chooses one partner for life, it is the biggest bird of the songbird family and are known as a messenger-birds and are very playful.

The transition to the name Raaf also marked a shift towards a more defined and experimental sound, blending their acoustic roots with electronic elements, and exploring deeper, more introspective themes in their lyrics. Their first album under the new name, Prediker, was released in 2023, showcasing the band's growth and the influence of contemporary music trends in their work. [8]

## Discography[edit]

### Raaf[edit]

* Prediker (2023).[11]

### Bottomless Coffee Band[edit]

* Sitkamer Sessions (2018)[12]
* Anthelia (2017)[6]
* Room with a View (2014)[5]

## Trivia[edit]

Lourens and Esté serve as ambassadors for the Community Conservations Fund Africa (CCFA) for whom they also wrote the song, "Wilderness".[13]

Esté also operates as a Health Coach and has won the Netwerk24 award for "Smaakmaker" van die jaar under the health category.[14]

## References[edit]

1. ↑ https://maroelamedia.co.za/vermaak/musiek/bottomless-coffee-band-kry-nuwe-vlerke/
2. ↑ Smith, Charles. "RAAF vlieg hoog en gee Afrikaans vlerke". Netwerk24 (in Afrikaans). Retrieved 2024-08-20.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Exclusive Interview: Bottomless Coffee Band". Coffee Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://abbeyroadinstitute.co.za/blog/bottomless-coffee-band-what-ignites-the-creative-spark/
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "This local band is as delightful as cup of coffee". Life. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Groenewald, Floris (2018-04-04). "Anthelia: Bottomless Coffee Band's stronger folk-pop return". The flow. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
7. ↑ Boucher, Elri. "HG gesels met musiekduo Raaf oor nuwe naam, musiek en drome". Huisgenoot (in Afrikaans). Retrieved 2024-08-20.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 https://maroelamedia.co.za/vermaak/musiek/bottomless-coffee-band-kry-nuwe-vlerke/
9. ↑ "Die Bottomless Coffee Band word RAAF". Reputasie. 2022-10-20. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
10. ↑ "'Prediker': RAAF's Gift to the South African Music Scene". The Something Guy. 2024-07-26. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
11. ↑ "RAAF, the music sensation that has South Africa talking releases their new album Prediker". iloveza.com. 2023-06-06. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
12. ↑ samuehxw9 (2019-11-11). "IS ONS AL DAAR - BOTTOMLESS COFFEE BAND". Ruan Scheepers. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
13. ↑ "SA's own Bottomless Coffee Band become ambassadors for Community Conservation Fund Africa". Texx and the City. 2020-04-03. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
14. ↑ VERSLAGGEWER, EIE. "Hier is Netwerk24 se Smaakmaker-wenners". Die Son (in Afrikaans). Retrieved 2024-08-20.

## External links[edit]

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