Johannesburg - This week we feature Afrikaans pop singer, songwriter, and actor Bobby van Jaarsveld.
The award-winning musician started his professional singing career in high school when he was offered a record deal, and released his first solo album in his last year of school.
He won the award for best newcomer at the Huisgenoot Tempo Awards in 2006 after receiving three nominations from the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, Vonk (a local music magazine) and Huisgenoot Tempo magazine.
In November 2006, Theuns Jordaan Productions offered Van Jaarsveld a recording contract.
His first album, 'n Duisend Ure, was released later that year and album sales reached gold status.
His second album, Net Vir Jou, was released in 2009 by Coleske Artists.
Van Jaarsveld wrote and composed each of the tracks on the album.
In January 2010, Van Jaarsveld was awarded the viewers’ favourite artist award for 2001 on DKNT, a local music programme on DStv.
He is also an actor and played the lead character in the Afrikaans film Liefling – Die Movie, which was released in November 2010 by Hartiwood Studios South Africa, and also starred in the film As Jy Sing in 2013.
Van Jaarsveld is also a judge on local reality singing competition The Voice SA.
You are able to watch any live sporting event in the world. Which sporting event do you choose to go and watch?
Definitely not Squid Game … I love all sorts of sports but I think I’ll go with American Football … only because I’ve never seen it live before and also Formula 1.
Tell us about the worst date you’ve ever had.
I asked a girl on a date when I was about 10, and when I arrived at the movies for our date, she came out of the movies with another boy and they jumped in her mom’s car laughing at me and drove off.
Who is the musician you most look up to?
I never have an answer for that question… I’ve learnt not to idolise anyone because people will always let you down in some or other way. It’s a human thing so no judgement.
What is your ultimate cheat meal?
A Braaibroodjie with chutney!!!
Binging on Netflix vs a wild night of partying. Which do you choose?
Binging on Netflix the day after a big night’s party okay… difficult one. I love Netflix and I love spending time with friends so truly I don’t know.
The song that best describes your life is…
Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen.
You are able to take on any SA celebrity in a 12 round charity boxing match. Who do you choose to take on?
Noooooo these aren’t easy questions at all, I don’t have beef with anyone but … I’ll choose my sister Karlien van Jaarsveld… Joking!!!! She’ll klap me hard big time. I really can’t think of anyone…
The most romantic thing you have ever done for a partner is… ?
O no… wow. Um… a lot of people out there picture me to be this heavy romantic person because of my songs and the songs I write, but I’m not really good with romance.
But I did write an entire album for my girlfriend that time and now she’s my wife and the mother of my three kids so I think that we are very romantic together.
You can only do one exercise for the rest of your life. Which exercise do you choose to do?
Swimming in a lap pool. I believe it’s one of the best exercises out there that exercises your whole body and I love swimming.
The one thing that most people don’t know about you is what?
I’m praying for a lead role in an awesome big film.
I really want to challenge myself on a new level and I believe I can do that.