In Conversation with Tiaan Massyn – Optometrist, Musician, and Aspiring Mr. South Africa
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You may know him as the dashing optometrist from Pretoria who spends his days bringing clarity to people’s sight. However, once the day draws to a close, he embarks on another journey – a journey fueled by rhythm and passion, a quest to create melodies that tug at heartstrings. I am talking about Tiaan Massyn!
This is a man whose dedication and talent know no bounds; he’s a celebrated optometrist from Pretoria, crafting a world of vivid clarity for his patients. But as the sun sets and the stars twinkle above, Tiaan embarks on an entirely different adventure, one defined by notes and melodies.
Now, I know you might be eager to hear about his debut single. But today, I want to invite you to delve deeper, to uncover the man behind the music. Let’s traverse the path from Tiaan’s optometry practice to the vocal coach’s studio, and all the way up to the stage of Mr. South Africa 2023. That’s right, Pretoria’s very own singing optometrist is also a contestant in this highly esteemed competition. But before we dive into all that, let me take you through an intimate chat I had with Tiaan, where he candidly revealed intriguing facets of his life and journey.
Interview With Tiaan Massyn
Tiaan, it’s great to have you with me for this interview. To kick things off, if you could describe your journey from optometrist to singer-songwriter using three South African landmarks, which ones would you choose and why?
“God’s Window in Mpumalanga. As we know God’s Window on a clear day you can see the Mozambique Capital of Maputo which is 300km away, it emphasizes clear sight, my first song is about the sunrise, what better landmark to experience both than God’s Window. Kruger National Park I have an immense fondness for wildlife, adventure and nature. To drive or hike through the Kruger gives a certain tranquillity by looking at wildlife in their habitat, which in return gives a lot of inspiration. The City of Cape Town. I just love the Cape, the vineyards, the mountains, people the entire vibe is just full of energy. Everywhere you go you see new beginnings and opportunities. Even the smallest aspect and element can result in something for an artist.”
Let’s imagine you’re writing a song about a day in your life as an optometrist. What surprising or quirky moments would make it into the lyrics?
“I love writing songs about my patients and their stories. I would definitely add how most patients don’t actually know their left from right. Lol, I would also add the amazing treats the old tannies bring me. From homemade rusks to brannewyn.”
South Africa is famous for its variety of tasty foods from different cultures. After a busy day with patients and music, which local ‘comfort food’ do you love to unwind with?
“Chinese or Simply Asia number 514”
You and your brother-in-law, Ernes Smit, wrote DIE SON KOM OP over a bottle of wine. What’s the most interesting conversation or debate you remember having during that session?
“Well unfortunately Ernes and my sister emigrated to the UK with their kids, so one of the main discussion were me trying to convince him not to leave lol. We usually also talk politics so we probably debated how many stages of Load-shedding there would be. We weren’t that far off.”
If you could invite three famous South Africans – living or dead – to a braai, who would you invite and why?
“Vusi Thembekwayo, Rian van Heerden and Trevor Noah. I just think they will make one hell of an entertaining political party.”
Since you’re a man of many talents, can you share an unusual talent or hobby that fans might be surprised to learn about?
“Well I play golf, but you are supposed to use one golfball for 18 holes, I use 18 golfballs for a hole. The struggle is real.”
As someone who experiences both the medical and music industry, if you had the superpower to fix one issue in each industry, what would they be and why?
“Medical: To be able to actually increase patients’ medical benefits as their medical aid premiums increase each year. Music: That no talent would be missed.”
Congratulations on being one of the contestants for Mr. South Africa 2023! How do you feel about this opportunity and what inspired you to take this leap?
“Thank you very much. I am very honoured to be one of the contestants running for Mr SA 2023. I am extremely excited about the journey ahead. Mr South Africa is something I’ve been considering for years but only now do I feel that I’m at a place in my life where I’ll be able to fulfil the title with passion and eagerness. Mr South Africa offers an incredible platform where I believe I’ll be able to make a big difference and carry out my vision and charity projects I have been working on for the past few years but on a much larger scale.”
Competitions like Mr South Africa are about more than just physical appearances. What is your perspective on the importance of character, intelligence, and social engagement in these contests?
“Absolutely. As the saying goes “not just a pretty face”. I believe these characteristics are much more important than your appearance. You can tell a lot about someone by how they talk, how they uplift, and how they treat other people.”
In your view, what qualities should a representative of Mr South Africa embody, and how have you striven to express these in your own journey through the competition?
“Honesty, integrity and love towards yourself and your fellow human being. To be a man of purpose, inspiration and stature. To have courage and be someone who is willing to take a stand, be a voice and make a difference. These are qualities I strive for during the competition but also try to live by every day.”
What would it mean to you personally to win Mr South Africa 2023?
“It would mean the world to me. I have dealt with many challenges and winning the title of Mr SA 2023 would just emphasise my motto in life. That no dream is too big and no mountain is too high, all you have to do is believe in jour self, turn down the noise around you and focus on your purpose in life and utilise the talents that God gave you.”
Tiaan. If you had to hang up your optometrist’s coat and your guitar for a day and try a completely different job – nothing to do with healthcare or music – what might that be and why does it spark your interest?
“Race car driver. I am an absolute adrenaline junky! Life is too short for boring cars. Lol”
If you were to organise a music festival in Pretoria, what unique features would you include to make it distinctly “Tiaan”?
“Have a huge wine fountain.”
South African music is deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. How does living in South Africa influence your music, and what elements of South African culture do you appreciate most in your songwriting?
“Well, I usually write songs by candlelight because we have Loadshedding. It creates a beautiful ambience. I believe all cultures in SA have a deep connection with nature and I love bringing nature elements into my songs.”
Tiaan, Lastly, quite a curveball kind of question but… If you had the chance to swap lives with an animal native to South Africa for a day, which one would you choose and why?
“Well, a leopard. I would love to chill in a tree for days staring at the sky with no responsibilities.”
Tiaan, A heartfelt thank you for sharing your journey with us, for revealing the man behind the spectacle frames, the music, and the pageantry. Your words have painted a vivid picture of passion, determination, and ceaseless versatility that is both humbling and inspiring.
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