Nataniël: If I could turn back time

By Gavin Prins

If he could, Afrikaans singer, celebrity chef and entertainer Nataniël would live in the early 1900s, wear a French justaucorps daily, ride to his shows in a horse-drawn carriage and light his modest home with candles and lamps.

Nataniël, who is French/Afrikaans says heritage is important to him but stresses that he wants to choose his own heritage, not allow people to dictate what it should be. He has always been outspoken, and when we had to decide on a celebrity who would speak directly to heritage, Nataniël immediately came to mind.

His heritage, he says, is in his books, his splendid collection of costumes, but most of all, in the kitchen of his grandmother, Maria Burger, whose cooking inspired his culinary skills today.

Speaking to us while he commutes between Johannesburg and Cape Town, he expresses his dissatisfaction with the era he lives in and what he grew up with. “History at school was a waste of time. Everyone that we were taught about wore khakis. I was so bored. But I am living in the wrong time. I wish I lived in a time with candles and horse-drawn coaches.”

Moving back to the present day, however, 2024 has been a busy year for Nataniël and the year is not over yet. He is just putting the finishing touches to his first album in 10 years; he has worked on a project with the world-famous choir Akustika; and he has written two stage productions as well as starting work on a new book, his 29^th. “I am a writer of short stories, which is what I have always been.”

There’s more, too. Nataniël’s “Live Like N” grapeseed oil is a great seller online and at his shows, with the range including garlic grapeseed oil, chilli grapeseed oil and pecan oil.

Then there’s his ceramic homeware product line, Kaalkop, (meaning “bald” in Afrikaans, but implying “honest” or “unpretentious”), which  has enjoyed great success. “Even the very plate I made more than 15 years ago is still a top seller”, he says. “The plates or bowls have stories or lyrics or historical facts on them; every piece is a talking point and a perfect gift. It is part of my legacy as an artist and will hopefully be passed on to the next generation.” He wants Kaalkop to go green in the next few years. “I want it to be completely green, organic, honest and true and not have to look back one day and think Why, Why?”

His forays into product manufacturing and retailing originated in his own home: “When I need something for my house, my life or as a gift and I cannot find it, then I make it. It is as simple as that. It started many, many years ago with my need for natural soap with real vanilla seeds. Since then, many have copied me and it is now available everywhere, so I have discontinued it.”

Nataniël’s approach to marketing is old-school. “I just listen to people. I think about how I can bring something positive to an already overcrowded and overloaded world, and improve the quality of life for the people I can reach. Whatever I make  should last a long time, be earth-friendly and bring good health or joy.” 

On the other hand, Nataniël admits he is “the worst employer on earth.” He explains: “I do not have a single employee, I work with individuals the same way I work with musicians or other artists; they each have their own space, talent and identity that they bring to the table. Also, I am a control freak and micro-manage everything to the smallest detail.” 

His business and his stage productions are gradually being merged. “As an artist I don’t think about cost or budget. I just do what I want, the best I can, pray it will make money, and I am blessed to be enjoying my fourth decade of full theatres. With products, you have to think about cost, environmental harm, transport, damage, etc. The range is becoming more and more connected to my theatre work and music, so eventually, there will be only products connected to my art;  I won’t be in retail, but an artist who offers his audience more than just a show.” 

What does one cook for you?

Vegetable curry. 

What is the perfect birthday gift for you?

A great book. 

What is your latest pet hate?

I hate it when people dress without respect for themselves or others. I can’t stand shorts and plastic shoes. And if you are not a gymnast, cover your legs!

Favourite holiday destination and why?

France. That is where my family lives, where my godchildren are growing up and where my forefathers are from.