Wednesday, 31st January 2007 at 10:00 am

Only in Africa: Elephant exacts revenge on Robbie Wessels for ‘Leeuloop’ song

South African singers and artists often derive the inspiration for their work from our country’s spectacular wildlife.

Afrikaans singer Robbie Wessels was no exception. His song “Leeuloop” (literally translates to lion walk) endlessly amused a great number of South Africans around the barbecue. As with many a great work of art, it also sparked controversy and divided the nation when it was used in a Vodacom ad. The critics called it too vulgar for television, and the ad was yanked.

Turns out some of the wildlife didn’t appreciate Robbie’s attempt either.

Last week, while on holiday in the Chobe game reserve with a few friends, the singer was dared to get out of the car by Dr Gerhard Venter, an engineer from Polokwane, to pose for a picture. However, while he was out of the car, the wind turned and the lone elephant bull stormed the singer.

“The man was egging me the whole time to get out for a photo.

“Eventually I relented, but thinking back on it, it was a dumb move,” said Wessels.

“I was peering over my shoulder the whole time, because I don’t like to lose sight of what’s behind me. I quickly glanced at the camera and gave a weak smile, and just then the elephant stormed.”

“He just shouted ‘O, bliksem’, and was straight out of the blocks,” laughed Venter, who ended up getting his picture.

“He headed right, then left and then straight for the car.

“It was a spectacular elephant waltz”, he added.

Wessels probably realised that the incident was some sort of karma from the animal kingdom, because he said he isn’t planning on turning the experience into an ‘Elephant Walk/Waltz/Run’ song.

Pity, because it could’ve had a great trumpet solo. And an even greater title that would’ve sparked yet another drunken dancing trend: Robbie’s Dumbo Move.

Additional reading: Robbie does the elephant waltz - News24.