Riaan Grobler is the definition of a modern multihyphenate. Bold, driven and endlessly energetic. And he’s not slowing down. The curious storyteller kicked off the year with the release of his third book, another exciting chapter in his ever-growing creative empire.
Riaan Grobler’s voice has carried him across many stages – from commanding the spotlight as a singer and actor to radio platforms and television sets. Lately, he’s captivating readers with his pen in the quiet corners of his favourite coffee shop, where he spends weekends writing and where his fourth romance novel is already steadily taking shape.
This comes after his third book and current bestseller, Die Avonture van Helga Roets, hit the shelves at the beginning of the year.
“I’m already at chapter five of my fourth book,” he says with a smile that suggests he’s nowhere near slowing down. Between writing and his demanding role as a music compiler at the RSG radio station, life is anything but idle. Sitting still is clearly not something Riaan does well.
The microphone came first for him as a performer and singer. Television production and presenting followed. After eight years behind the mic at Pretoria FM, Riaan once again shifted gears – this time to working behind the scenes at RSG. “Writing only entered my life a few years ago, after completing two writing courses.” What might have begun as curiosity quickly became a calling.
“It’s all one voice,” he explains. “I’m Riaan when I sing, write, act or present. I hope my audiences experience me like that.”
Following his first two books, Geheime op Philadelphia and Hospitaal Weltevreden, his latest release has also received raving reviews. Die Avonture van Helga Roets follows the story of Helga, an over-80-year-old woman who is nowhere near done with life. She loves people, is essentially kind-hearted, and her appearance and independence are very important to her.
Helga has been living in a retirement village, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she’s diagnosed with macular degeneration in both eyes. Talk about bad timing, because the coming week is packed with two funerals and a wedding in Paarl.
Despite her children’s objections, Helga packs her bags and quietly slips out of the retirement home – determined to move on with her life. That’s where she finds Stefaans de Wet waiting at her car. He’s coming with her.
What follows is a story filled with adventures, narrow escapes and challenges. Apart from the catchy humour, it’s also about love, ageing, loss and acceptance.
“Growing up I lived with my gran in Polokwane. She was a manager at the Silwerhare Nursing Home. I spent many afternoons after school there. I loved hearing and sharing in all the stories told by the residents. Most of the stories portrayed in my book really happened. The highlight of writing this book was the time I spent at the old-age homes for research. I have such a soft spot for the elderly.”
Helga’s character is based on Hettie Koch – actor Alvin Bruinders’s mother-in-law. Riaan lived with them while at university.
“Aunty Hettie had a major influence on my life. A woman who knows what she wants in life.”
There is also something of Riaan’s mother, Margaret – who passed away after complications following an operation – reflected in Helga’s character.
“It’s no coincidence that Helga’s last name is Roets. It was my mother’s maiden name, and I wanted to honour her in this way for the role she played in my life.”
Helga suffering from an eye disease also came from first-hand experience for Riaan.
“My mother had macular degeneration. Although it’s a fictional book, I drew a lot of inspiration from my own experiences.”
For him, all the hats he wears are equal parts blood, sweat and tears.
“Art is my therapy.”
Ask him to describe his routine and he laughs. “Chaotic. Admin isn’t my strong suit – creativity is.”
Be it compiling music at RSG, writing, crafting stained glass, baking or crocheting.
Living with bipolar disorder has shaped much of his journey, but it has never defined his limits. Criticism – especially during his live TV years – taught him resilience.
“I developed a thick skin. That determination was sparked in Grade 1 when all my classmates received certificates for outstanding work and I didn’t. I decided it would never happen again. And it hasn’t. The lesson was simple and lasting – hard work pays off.”
To him, success is simple. completing a goal successfully.
“My dreams are big, but they are God-given and that fuels my persistence. Ticking most of the boxes you want to achieve is a life well lived.”
And judging by the pace he’s keeping, Riaan’s story is far from its final chapter.
Books Riaan couldn’t put down:
– Katvis by Annelie Botes
– Déjà vu by Chanette Paul
– Heimwee by Sophia Kapp
– Skorpio by Deon Meyer
Details: graffitibooks.co.za or follow @riaangrobler on Facebook and Insta.
Text: CHEMÉLLE VAN DER MERWE. Image: SUPPLIED.
