He used to a bad boy of note, but these days Jay du Plessis is an all-round family man
For many years, the hunky local singer, Jay du Plessis, was known as the bad boy of the Afrikaans music industry. Just ask fans of the boy band Eden – one sultry smile was enough to make just about any woman weak at the knees. But after performing on stages across the country for more than 23 years, Jay’s family is now his top priority – he’s a self-proclaimed family man.
‘I find people in certain age groups, and even certain social circles, see me differently. Maybe there was a time when I was seen as a bad boy, but these days I’m more of an old boy,’ Jay laughs.
‘With me, what you see is what you get. The man on stage is the exact same man I am at home. I’ve always made sure to never pretend when I’m on stage. I think it must be very hard work to keep up appearances that way,’ he says.
The charismatic singer with the ever-present twinkle in his eye is a firm favourite with Afrikaans music fans. And with a list of hits that include songs like Lê ‘n Bietjie Langer, Melanie, So Lank Sal Ek Jou Liefhê and Siekverlief, as well as Da vat Hy with Lianie May, it’s no wonder fans go crazy over his music. His brand new Afrikaans single, Ry hom soos ‘n Rental, took the music scene by storm and is burning up online musical platforms around the country. But, Jay warns, the song is not for everyone. It was written by Ernest Lamprecht, Riaan Benade, Georic Lomas and Paulo Azevedo and will definitely get your feet moving – although the singer received mixed comments from fans after the song’s release. ‘It was interesting reading what people thought about it. Older fans who prefer ballads didn’t take it well, but the younger audience, at whom the song is aimed, showed an overwhelmingly positive response. In fact, on the online platforms the song is doing better than some of my previous hits,’ Jay explains.
The success of the song is great news, especially in a time of so much uncertainty. During the lockdown period artists, along with scores of other South Africans, are struggling to make ends meet and trying their hands at all kinds of endeavours to put food on the table.
‘Live shows are about 95 per cent of my income as an artist and with the lockdown in place, there are few other ways to make a living. We do what we can with the odd online concert here and there but it’s hardly enough to put food on the table. The reality is that our income completely vanished during lockdown and even when live performances are allowed, they’ll be a luxury and people won’t necessarily have money to go out and watch a show. I’m looking forward to finding new ways to make it work,’ Jay says.
When he is not performing or recording, Jay is husband to his wife, Mia, and loving father to his four sons, 13-year-old Aidan, 10-year-old Samuel, Luka, who’s six, and three-year-old Jamie. Being a family man is his greatest joy in life.
‘It’s incredible … they’re my pride and the best part of my life and day. Being a dad is a privilege and a blessing. My sons are the best thing I’ve ever done and the only part of my legacy I really care about. To be their dad is the greatest accomplishment I could ever achieve,’ comments a beaming Jay.
The most important lesson he tries to teach his boys is that they should cherish and protect each other. ‘They should love one another and be each other’s best friends,’ he says.
However, trying to keep four energetic young men in line can’t be easy. What’s the most challenging part about being a dad to boys? ‘To enforce discipline while taking everyone’s individual personalities into account. To teach them about respect and love for others, without losing themselves,’ Jay explains.
If Jay were not a singer he’d definitely want to be a farmer or a game ranger. No wonder the Du Plessis family loves to spend as much time as possible outdoors together. ‘My sons like to be outside, to camp and play around in the mud. They also love helping me with projects, so during our stint at home we worked our way through the house, looking for things to fix and projects to start. Gardening is another way to put excess energy to good and enjoyable use’ he adds.
Any special message to the dads of Pretoria? ‘Do what you can with what you have and always put your kids first,’ he says.
For the time being, Jay is enjoying quality time with the Du Plessis gang and for Fathers’ Day, all he wants is to enjoy a few juicy lamb ribs on the grill with a brandy (or two) in hand. But who knows what the future might hold? Perhaps a compilation album with some of his greatest hits, or another duet album, or shows with Lianie May. Only time will tell.
Shop online!
Jay’s favourite local online store is Shopfomo. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for birthdays and special occasions as it sells everything from fashion, fragrances and make-up to home décor and skincare products. Details: shopfomo.com
