Francois Henning, popularly known as Snotkop (formerly Lekgoa), is a well-known South African musician with a strong influence in rap and Kwaito. He is recognized for his versatility, performing in both Sotho and Afrikaans.

Snotkop began his music career at just 15 years old and has remained an active and influential figure in the industry. Initially performing under the name Lekgoa, he later rebranded as Snotkop. He made a mark in the Kwaito genre with hit songs such as Basetsana in 1999 and Ngamla Yoba in 2002. His dynamic style and energetic performances have solidified his status in the South African music scene, with his songs gaining recognition beyond the country’s borders.

Profile Summary

Name	Francois Henning
Stage Name	Formally Lekgoa; Now, Snotkop
Date of Birth	22 December, 1974
Gender	Male
Place of Birth	Johannesburg, South Africa
Age	51 years old in 2025
Nationality	South African
Religion	Christian
Current Residence	Cape Town, South Africa
Father	Jan Hennig
Education	School: Randburg High SchoolCollege: Tshwane University of Technology
Profession	Singer, Rapper and TV Personality
Social Media	Instagram: @snotkopFacebook:  @Snotkop

Early Life

Francois Henning, better known as Snotkop, was born on December 22, 1974, in Johannesburg, South Africa. As of 2025, he is 51 years old. He belongs to Generation X, a generation that witnessed cultural shifts, economic challenges, and the rise of technology. This era also saw movements advocating for environmental issues, gay rights, and women’s rights.

Snotkop studied at the Tshwane University of Technology. His father, Jan, gave him the nickname “Snotkop,” which stuck with him throughout his career. Fluent in both Sotho and Afrikaans, he developed a deep appreciation for mbaqanga and 1980s bubblegum music, while also maintaining a strong passion for punk. These diverse influences have shaped his unique musical style and contributions to the South African entertainment industry.

Career

Snotkop, formerly known as Lekgoa, doesn’t just specialize in one but in various music genres, including Rap, Pop, Kwaito, and Sokkie. His journey in the music industry began at the age of 15 when he started preparing demo CDs.

In the late 1990s, he adopted the stage name Lekgoa, which means “White guy” in Sotho, and delved into the South African kwaito genre. During this period, he was signed to the Gallo record label and released two albums, Basetsana in 1999 and Ngamla Yoba in 2002.

In 2005, he transitioned to the name Snotkop, initially as part of a four-piece boy band and later as a solo act. He signed with the Next Music record label and released his debut album Snotkop in 2005, followed by So Damn Sexy in 2008 and Francois Henning Was Hier in 2009. With the release of Ek Laaik Van Jol in 2012, he became one of the top-selling South African artists in the Afrikaans language.

Snotkop’s well-known singles and music videos include “Song Vir My Dad,” “Dis ‘n Land,” “Hou My Stywer Vas,” “Oppas,” “Katrien,” “Parapapa” (a remake of Cidinho & Doca’s hit Rap das Armas), “Ek Laaik Van Jol,” “Hoe Lykit,” “Raak Vir My Rustig,” “Cool Soos Koos Kombuis,” and “Agter Op My Fiets.” He has also been featured in various covers of international hits translated into Afrikaans.

Aside from his music career, Snotkop is a television personality. He presented the program Petrolkop on MK, the primarily Afrikaans music channel in South Africa, featuring celebrities competing in time trials with racing cars. His association with the popular TV show 7 de Laan on SABC2 further contributed to his fame.

Personal Life

There have been ongoing rumors about Snotkop’s sexuality, with mixed reactions from his fan base—some dismissing the speculation, while others remain open to the possibility. However, the artist has not publicly addressed these claims.

Awards

Snotkop has earned significant recognition in the South African music industry. He has been nominated for nine MK, Tempo, and Vonk awards, particularly in the “Best Afrikaans Pop Album” category.

His achievements include:

• A 2009 nomination for “Best Afrikaans DVD” at the 15th South African Music Awards (SAMAs).
• Winning “Best Sokkie Dans Album” for Ek Laaik Van Jol at the 18th SAMAs in 2012.

Discography

Studio albums

As Lekgoa

1999: Basetsana

2002: Ngamla Yoba

As Snotkop

2005: Snotkop

2008: So Damn Sexy

2009: Francois Henning Was Hier

2011: Ek Laaik van jol!

2012: Oppas

2014: Soos ‘n boss

2016: HKGK

2018: Sous

Videography

2009: “Parapapa”

2010: “Vrydagaand”

2011: “Song Vir My Dad”

2011: “Ek Laaik Van Jol”

2012: “Dis ‘n Land”

2012: “Oppas”

2013: “Ek’s Dalk ‘n Ses”

2013: “Shut Up en Soen My”

2013: “Hou Stywer Vas”

2013: “Katrien”

2013: “Bakgat Boogie”

2014: “Dikkelicious”

2014: “Agter Op My Fiets”

2015: “Kry Jouself By Die Werk”

2015: “Ek Wens”

2015: “Hiekies in Hartenbos”

2015: “Loslap”

2016: “Cool Soos Koos Kombuis”

2016: “Rock My Amadeus”

2017: “Raak Vir My Rustig”

2017: “Woestersous”

2019: “Pens En Pootjies”

Collaborative Albums

2010: “Ek val vir jou” (MoniQue & Snotkop)

2012: “Stoomtrein” (Kurt Darren feat. Snotkop)

Singles

2014 – Agter Op My Fiets

2015 – Rock My Amadeus

2017 – Superskool

2019 – Langpad

2019 – Pens En Pootjies

2022 – Tsek!

2022 – Skrik Vir Niks

2023 – Marakas

2024 – AVBOB Se Stoep