Chatting to Lois du Plessis it is clear that she is somebody who has reflected on many a thing in life and today, she celebrates the gift of life with those she holds close and dear.
There may not ever have been a more perfect time to get to know singer and actor Lois du Plessis a little better than just now when most of us will reflect on a year gone by and those things that matter in life.
Some of the first things she mentions are her beautiful childhood that mostly centred around their schedule for church, the fact she is blessed with many wonderful girlfriends whom she grew up with and who are still friends today, and most definitely not least, that she is surrounded by family on both her mum and dad’s side.
Up close and personal
When we rewind to those childhood years she tells you that her journey began in the then Coronation Hospital where she was born and that she spent her entire childhood in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
‘That is where I was raised and completed my schooling. I started school at Witbank Convent and then when Model C schools opened up I moved to Middelburg Primary School and matriculated from Steelcrest High School. I am the baby of five with two older sisters and two older brothers. My father was a smelter and my mom a teacher.’
Some of her fondest childhood memories are those of her and her friends. ‘My girlfriends and I would do each other’s hair, rolling each other’s hair for Sunday service. These are some of my fondest memories as those girls and I are still friends to this day.’
As mentioned she counts one of her many blessings as the fact that she is surrounded by family and that she is part of a ‘circle of incredible women, friends who have become sisters whom I love dearly and learn so much from’.
Lois lives in Crown Gardens, south of Johannesburg, and her weekends are not quite her own. She spends these catching up on scripts but when the time avails itself she enjoys gardening, hiking, spending time with close friends and family and ‘of course sometimes a good Netflix and chill session is needed’.
Considering that she loves the outdoors and rain and sunshine equally, it comes as no surprise that her favourite spots are Thaba Echo Hotel and Rietvlei hiking trails.
Lois describes herself as an introverted extrovert who ‘may be a little shy when it comes to certain things (he-he).’
Her ultimate spoil is a good massage and she is all for her favourite chocolates as a guilty pleasure, oh and please do not chew with an open mouth in her company.
Dressing up or down there will always be those wardrobe must-haves and for Lois, it is comfortable sneakers, cute heels and oversized coats.
And as a little side hustle, she makes and sells handmade jewellery. ‘Although I’ve taken a bit of a break from it over the last year, I find it rewarding and will start back up in the new year.’
Her motto in life? ‘Be present here.’
If there was one thing she could do before she dies it would be a visit to Bali.
The actor and singer
Her day job is actor and singer and ‘sometimes MC’. To this, you can also add motivational talks at schools and invitations to churches to lead worship.
‘I’m also a daughter and caregiver. I have a very colourful calendar filled with stickies (LOL) and by the grace of God, I manage everything to get it done. But I’ve also learnt the importance of asking for help when needed.’
Lois started signing professionally in high school. ‘One of my friend’s dads, Uncle Steve, was a DJ and would take me along to sing at various events. I knew then that entertainment would be my life.
‘I started taking drama lessons with Sonja Myburgh in Standard Eight or Nine (Grade 10 or 11) and she then entered me for various competitions. I won a bursary through Dalro to study drama at Pretoria Tech, now known as TUT and went on to study and complete my diploma.
‘In my final year, I entered a singing competition with a friend of mine who asked me to go with her and ended up making it to the top 10 of Coca-Cola Popstars. From there it has been a surreal journey. I feel blessed.’
She feels that she has been gifted the privilege to be able to travel.
‘Travelling is the best part of my journey as an actor and singer. Going to different countries, whether with a musical or on a tour, has opened my eyes to view life and the world differently. It allowed me to learn about various cultures and pick up different languages along the way. It has taught me the importance of appreciating different people as they are.
‘The worst but also a necessary part of this journey has been saying goodbye. Whether it’s to seasons or people, goodbyes are never easy but sometimes necessary.
She quotes Dr Henry Cloud who said: ‘Getting to the next level always requires ending something, leaving it behind and moving on. Growth itself demands that we move on. Without the ability to end things, people stay stuck, never becoming who they are meant to be, never accomplishing all that their talents and abilities should afford them.’
Facing challenges
‘Coming back to South Africa after living overseas for 12 years was challenging at first and a huge adjustment. However, I’ve always been of the mindset that it is important to try your best to be present, where you are, and that helped me tremendously when my mother fell ill. I was able to stand in the gap as her caregiver, a role I still occupy now just with added assistance.
‘I believe that overcoming obstacles requires a daily dose of step by step. Be gentle with oneself through uncertainty and maintain unwavering faith that there is something better on the other side of this.
‘Watching my mother’s road to recovery has been a testament that if you just believe and continually have faith, anything is possible and that we should never stop trying even if we fall or fail many times. Always get back up.’
The will to always get up is also the message she wants to leave for young hopefuls.
‘Get to know yourself. Love yourself and be certain that this is the line of work you want to do. Develop a thick skin and never quit!’
A new single
From the get-go it was evident that faith plays a tremendous role in Lois’ life and one cannot not ask about the release of her new single ‘Same God’.’
The message behind the song is that no matter where you are in life, no matter the trials or changes you face, and no matter where you come from, God is the same good God and will be there for you through everything you face.
Family festivities
When asked whether the festive season holds any special meaning for her, you find that family and life hold a special meaning for her.
‘The festive season is a time for family, loved ones, rest and peace. A time to celebrate the gift of life. I think after Covid we should be celebrating that gift daily. I will be spending time enjoying my family and resting as much as possible.
‘We will go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and spend the day together as a family celebrating food, family and the Christmas spirit.’
Text: CARINA VAN DER WALT. Photo: Brendon Koeberg. Make-up: Trace Lee Oliver. Location: Du Plessis residence.
