Elvis has left the building

Arguably the most widely celebrated resident of Kingswood Golf Estate, Jan Hoogendyk (aka Elvis Blue) shot to fame in 2010 when he won M-Net’s Idols, and – with three platinum and two gold albums – he has since become one of South Africa’s most commercially successful artistes.

When catching up with Elvis Blue, he was packing – but not for Perth, thank heavens – for a compact concert tour in Pretoria. While Jan is both a father and a businessman, he has been a performer for the longest time, so he is delighted that he can, once again, perform in front of live audiences.

Jan and his family – wife Chireze and their daughters, aged eight and 11 – have lived at Kingswood Golf Estate for seven years. He says that – despite being relieved that lockdown levels allow for travel again – he always looks forward to returning home.

‘I regularly check with my girls if they realise how lucky they are to live in this beautiful environment. They love the fact that springbok roam freely, and we spend lots of time outdoors.’

An avid cyclist, Jan is familiar with various routes in the vicinity and ensures that, when his busy schedule doesn’t allow for longer outrides, he at least gets to tackle some challenging climbs along the mountain-bike trail within the estate.

Asked about golf, Jan says he plays ‘a little bit’, and claims being much more proficient on a mountain bike or a surfboard; Vic Bay is one of his favourite spots.

However, five years ago Jan’s backing of the Sanlam Cancer Challenge helped to raise in excess of R3 million through hundreds of club days in which over 35,000 amateur golfers took part.

At the time, he said he was ‘blown away’ at the amount of money raised. ‘It’s amazing that people having a good time playing golf can raise that much, and make such a difference.’

This sentiment bodes well for the ongoing fundraising drive at Kingswood in support of CEO Willem Jacobs and his family – beneficiaries of the 14 to 16 May charity golf weekend that raised funds to help with the care of their daughter Anelda.

Jan confessed that he became hooked on the game since taking up golf some years ago. ‘I have a serious addiction to golf on TV. I find myself not sleeping for days on end.’

He has also rubbed shoulders with two of the country’s elite golfers, having performed for Charl Schwartzel after his Masters victory, and having played a round with four-time Major winner Ernie Els.

‘I’ve been lucky enough to meet Ernie a few times,’ he says. ‘I hit a very bad tee shot while Ernie was watching. It was embarrassing and exhilarating at the same time. My golf is getting much better. But you know, it’s still golf.’

On the subject of wayward shots, Jan jokingly pleads with players to desist from hitting his house: ‘It’s incredible to see how frustrated some guys get, and it doesn’t necessarily help when I advise them to start cycling instead.’

When not performing, surfing or cycling, Jan spends time at the Hoogendyks’ newest business venture, Elvis Brew – a popular coffee and all-things-cool emporium on the R404, run like clockwork by Chireze.

‘I work for my wife,’ he says with a respectful chuckle. ‘The padstal is perfect for her skills set, being a sharp shopper with a knack for getting her hands on the right products. We try supporting as many local guys as possible, to make sure everyone gains from the business. Suppliers are pulled in for their expertise, like the guys from Barrel & Bull who approached us when we were still trading from a six-metre container on the site. I’m a musician. I don’t want to worry about the meat going off. So they pour all of their passion into presenting beauties like our famous biltong steak.’

Chireze and Jan served their first cup of coffee from the container in May last year; by September they had upgraded to the current shop with its delectable snacks, craft beers and carefully selected goods on sale. Grab a bite or cuppa while waiting for your friends to arrive – it beats sitting in your car at the airport entrance.

‘Covid protocol on collections was the biggest reason why we opened Elvis Brew here. We also have a flight radio that’s always broadcasting,’ says Jan. ‘So please swing past – it’s the nearest you’ll get to a jet with a good cup of coffee in your hand.’