# 13

 

JP Robberts

 

Let’s start this story at the beginning. Day number one on Planet Earth. Unskilful in any vocabulary. Barely being able to see through your own eyes and you are already squealing because you don’t know where you are at the moment and why you are here. Now let’s fast forward to 24 years later. You are a young adult who is already in the mid novice phases of your career and planning your next 5-year plan before you reach 30. And still, you ask yourself where you are and why you are here. Each individual on Earth always search for some sort of hint or sign as to what their purpose is on this planet and it is sad to say that no one will never really know till the last second. But the best way to start understanding your purpose is to venture into the unknown and make use of your skills which you developed in the last 24 years. And that is exactly what our next star did.

 

Born in South Africa, but raised in Gobabis, Namibia, this star was always known by family and friends as everybody’s friends who always treat each day with a smile and a laugh. He was known as a helper – someone who will not just go out of his to help out wherever he can but also makes sure that his day will end knowing that he accomplished to make someone feel happy. So basically a humanitarian at heart and from a very young age as well.

 

 

He strongly believes that doing good things do take time, patience, effort, hard work, and determination to allow access for great things to happen all at once. Being a humanitarian, he thought that it would be selfish in a way to keep such a good nature restricted to only his friends and family so he decided to venture out into the public and get acquainted with his community and also neighboring cities in the form of modeling and other competitions. These challenges allowed him to get to know the different characteristics of his own personality and to test it out on many individuals to finally learn what it means to feel deserving of living on a planet and never take it for granted.

 

 

With these statements in mind, this amazing being decided to move back to his origin country and not only further pursue his love of being humanitarian, but to also represent his country in doing so. Yes – it is the Mr. South Africa 2016 finalist and Mr. Model look SA 2015, JP Robberts.  Moving back to SA at the age of 17 with only two suitcases in hand and R4000 in his bank account, he started his career as a waiter in Camps Bay, gradually working his way up through many different positions to get to where he is now and where he wants to be. And where he is now is doing what he loves best – turning his career and jobs into his hobbies:

 

 

Food: Being a health and food enthusiast, JP is known to try different types of food sorts and tastes, but he always found himself to turn back to one particular Grill in Sea Point. The last visit in November 2016 finally convinced him to prove how serious he was about enjoying food and thus made him the owner of The Backyard Grill in Sea Point. His recipe of running such an authentic South African restaurant consists of two items: Good food with the emphasis on BRAAI and a proper South African vibe to make anyone have a good time and not stop smiling and laughing.

 

Singer: Described and known as the Michael Buble of South Africa, JP has confidently admitted that he can even give Michael himself a run for his money and hinted on a few occasions that we will maybe see one of his own records being released soon.

 

 

Model: JP strutted on many runways during his career and return to South Africa. With confidence, determination and an outrageous good style, he managed to pocket a few titles in the modeling industry such as Mr. Model Look South Africa 2015, Mr. SA contestant 2015, Top Model SA Finalist 2017, Mr. South Africa 2nd Prince 2017 and Mr. Photogenic 2017.

Public figure: With an unending love for animals and children, JP is set out to contribute and participate in animal and child welfare societies to improve and further the cause of protecting animal rights and safety as well as child right and safety along with working in educational programs to provide education for the next generation of leaders.

 

‘Being me’: “I am dedicated to every aspect of my life. Every requirement gets the attention it deserves and sometimes a little more if required, but keeping to a schedule, I finish what HAS to be done on time. That way I free up my time for what I WANT to do.”

 

Playing and actually making a career in so many fields is a feat that no one can do alone. He was always blessed with the love and support from his two beloved parents and even more from his two mentors Nelius and Mishka, both title holders, friends, humanitarians and “amazing role models.” But his best source of support and motivation came from his most loved role model who passed away in life but still remains in spirit and love. “My biggest support also turned into my biggest backlash when my Grandmother who was my biggest fan and supporter, passed away. I felt lost and didn’t have the motivation to do anything. Until my mother sad me down and told me that my grandmother is always watching me and that gave me the motivation I carry with me to this day.”  

 

 

The passing of someone who you have grown to care for and love so much will always be a pain that will be embedded in your heart but it is the spirit and the good memories of the person who you cherish so much that will always revert that pain to love.

 

 

Never giving up is a phrase that is used way too many times, but has been proved to never fail even more. If you have dreamed of something then it is clear that those dreams and goals have a bigger meaning to you then what you might even realize. As JP mentioned, it is better to say anyway “I shouldn’t have done that” instead of “I should have done that.” And that is why you can expect to spot him collaborating with some exciting artists in the near future as well as maybe dropping an album or two, partnering with skin care companies as well as supporting initiatives such as replanting rainforests and children’s education programs.

 

 

A true South African indeed and one thing that stands out in this entire tale is to be proud and grateful to shine the light on your country and being proud of where you come from and what you contribute to making your country a place to call your home. Swing by The Backyard Grill in Cape Town if you are in the area to meet up with JP.

 

 

Cheers for this week

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WA