Category: Ruth and Kin

Kith & Kin (often stylised Kith & Kin) is a local Durban-area acoustic family cover band based in Kloof (Upper Highway), not “Ruth and Kin.” The name is Old English for “friends and family,” with a nod to the Koekemoer surname.
They are a four-piece family unit known for tight harmonies, vibrant energy, and a mix of folk, country, and contemporary covers. The core members are:

Courtney (“Big Sista” / Courtz) — vocals, acoustic/rhythmic guitar, ukulele (performing arts teacher, married mum of two).
Stephanie (“Shrub,” the youngest) — drums, percussion, band admin (farming adviser).
Jordan (“Jordz,” the brother) — bass (broker consultant; taught himself to contribute).
Daniel (Dad) — bass and drums (self-employed medical agent; longtime musician whose first salary bought the acoustic guitar still used in the band).

Mum Elza is their biggest cheerleader (and occasional singer), with granny and various friends/pets often around the family home in Kloof, which they describe as “like a train station.” Music has been central to the Koekemoers for years—early family sessions around dad’s grand piano included classics like “House of the Rising Sun” and Beatles tracks. Courtney and Stephanie started performing together nearly a decade ago (initially with just a cajón and acoustic guitar); the full family quartet came together more recently.
Their repertoire spans golden oldies to current hits across genres: Mumford & Sons, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Nancy Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, The Lumineers, and more. Live shows emphasise interaction—they hand out instruments, invite sing-alongs, and host music quizzes. Audiences (especially in Durban North) respond strongly to the energy; the band says pubs are their favourite gigs because they feed off the crowd. Regular or past venues include Waxy O’Connors, Tipsy Flamingo, Kloof Country Club, Fabrica, Soul Sunday Sessions at Crusaders, Butlers Hillcrest, and the Keg & Trout.
They travel in a well-worn VW Combi (nicknamed for its high mileage and quirks—no radio, so they sing instead, with a bottle of Jägermeister as “heavenly milk”). One memorable mishap involved engine trouble (and a fire) en route to a Lesotho gig at Afriski, stranding them among sheep and goats. The family bond is central: even living in different suburbs, they treat music as their shared happy place and “addiction” to each other.
Contact and socials (from the 2024 feature):

Instagram: @kithandkin_music
Facebook: Kith & Kin
Phone: 079 549 5184
Email: kithandkinmusic28@gmail.com

A sample “feel-good Winter playlist” they shared includes Johnny Cash/June Carter Cash’s “Jackson,” Rolling Stones’ “Route 66,” Mumford & Sons’ “Little Lion Man,” Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” and others in a similar folk/country/pop vein.
They remain active on the local circuit (mentions of performances continue int