This Is Us: France The Planet & BURG Studio

“Alternative music is the glue that kept us together — as friends and as humans.” — France The Planet

Let Metal Shape You

Some people follow the scene. Others build it.

Meet France The Planet, the unstoppable force behind BURG Studio Online, The Metalist, and a lifetime of boundary-pushing in the South African music world. Part MC, part promoter, part creator, full-time connector — France’s story is one of grit, grind, and loyalty to the people and music that shaped him.

In this week’s This Is Us: African Made, we dive into how a kid with a makeshift mic and a mixtape obsession grew into a movement-maker for alternative music in SA and beyond.

1. What’s the origin story of France The Planet and BURG Studio? Were they born from the same energy?

It started early. Around 12 or 13, I was building Hi-Fi systems out of random components and making mixtapes off “Radio 5” and “Radio 2000”. I’d use a TDK over-ear headphone as a mic and record entire shows just to entertain my friends.

BURG Studio Online came later, after I got tired of stations that didn’t value their presenters. I left one and a handful of amazing people followed — so we started our own thing. If you’ve got the knowledge and tools, why not build something that feels right?

2. You’ve been deep in the metal scene — MC, promoter, presenter. What pulled you in?

Alternative music just… fit. I grew up relating to the outcasts, the “duiwel se kinders.” The ones who didn’t belong anywhere else. Metal became our therapy, our glue. Moshing kept us fit, and the sore necks were always worth it.

3. How did underground radio and live events shape what you’re doing now?

It was always about community. Even before BURG Studio or France The Planet, I helped wherever I could. I studied music production, played drums in bands for over a decade, and worked as a stagehand in the '90s. That led to MC work, photography, and tour planning.

Now people call me Toer Pappa. And it all started with a few like-minded humans trying to build something real.

4. If BURG Studio had a middle finger to raise, who would it be aimed at?

Gatekeepers. Every clique with a “my shit don’t stink” attitude.Those who say, “If you don’t support me, you won’t get a gig.”Also — keyboard warriors and cancel culture. It's tired.

5. Wildest or most memorable show you’ve been part of?

Every show feels like your baby, but a few moments stand out:

• A sold-out Sognage show in 2024 with Meteora – Linkin Park Tribute and 3 Dollar Bill – The Limp Bizkit Experience

• Taking LunǢ Lane on their debut tour — from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape

• Selling out Barnyard Theatre Menlyn, despite what the haters said

Every moment I step off that stage and see the faces of people who get it — that’s what makes the stress worth it.

6. What’s your take on the SA metal scene today?

The talent is insane — the music’s never been heavier or tighter. But the scene’s divided. Gatekeeping and closed-off cliques are poisoning what could be collaborative.

Metal shaped my career, but my work is for all genres. Artists need to look beyond just “the scene.” Ask: How do we build real avenues for growth? How do we take others with us?

7. You’re known as a connector. What’s your role now?

I don’t label myself, but I do live by this: “If I can, I will. Always.”

People may not always see the value right away — and that’s okay. But when someone calls me years later to say thank you, I know I’ve done something right.

8. What content is missing from underground media — and how are you filling that gap?

We need to slow down. Stop chasing clout and start doing the legwork.

That’s what we’re doing at BURG Studio, The Metalist, and through video series like From the Live Room and On The Couch with France. Inspired by KEXP and Audiotree, we bring artists into Studio 31 for a full live recording and hangout. No fluff. Just music and real talk.

Thanks to engineers like Ruan Rabie and Merrick Kyle, we make sure artists walk away with a high-quality product — and a platform.

9. You’ve always done things your way. What advice would you give to someone trying to build something real?

• Network hard — not just in the scene, but in the industry

• Get everything in writing — even with your best friend

• Stay humble but stay smart — people will take if you let them

• Give back — especially to those who helped you start

• Ask questions — there’s no such thing as a dumb one

• Speak with respect — it travels far

If you’re self-funded like I was, get ready to pay the school fees. But trust me — it’s worth it.

10. What’s the 5-year vision?

Honestly? I almost quit at the start of 2025. But then I remembered: Music is in my blood. I can’t leave.

So I’m staying. And I’m planning:

• National and international tour circuits

• A bigger, genre-spanning events network

• More brand collabs

• More platforms for SA music, especially the heavy side

And always, always — giving back to the people who made this real.

Final Word from France

“Keep it heavy. And remember — Let Metal Shape You.”

Huge thanks to everyone who’s backed this mission:Casey Bliss, Studio 31, Durban Rock City, and every PR agent, venue owner, artist, and listener that’s made this journey possible.

To the haters? Do you, boo. The world’s big enough for all of us.

And to In.It Apparel — thank you for this platform and for spotlighting stories that deserve to be heard.