Robbie Wessels Essentials

Robbie Wessels first garnered attention as a TV actor, but he revealed a knack for singing and songwriting with his 2005 debut LP, My Vissermanvriend se Pa. His song “Leeuloop” from 2006's Halley se Komeet catapulted him to fame when the track—and a dancing cameo from Wessels—was used on a mobile network advert that went viral in his native South Africa. His endearing, self-deprecating lyrics sit side by side with honest, soulful storytelling—all sung in the company of stirring female background vocals and, of course, his acoustic guitar.