Taffy Kikillus

(b. 13/03/1927 – d. Milnerton, Cape Town, 22/09/2014). Also credited as Taffie Kikilus.

Biography

The son of a magistrate in the Waterberg district of the old Transvaal and the grandson of a German missionary, Johann Gustav Kikillus studied at the University of Stellenbosch and first intended to follow in his father’s footsteps, becoming a public prosecutor in Nylstroom (Modimolle). However, he had played the piano from an early age and is said to have started composing when he was fourteen. At university he had had his own orchestra and as early as 1944 he performed at the popular Koffiehuis concerts in Cape Town. After he moved to Johannesburg, Jan Pohl, the brother of Anna Neethling-Pohl, gave him an opportunity to perform on radio. He also played on Piano Playtime and was a guest performer on the popular Bog Met Blou Maandag. In 1948 he became a member of the orchestra of Hendrik Susan, touring the country with the likes of Nico Carstens and Jurie Ferreira. Besides composing many popular songs, he produced several records. He appeared in a number of films, first as musician and later as actor. He married his wife, Rhona Locker, in 1954 and the couple had five children. They retired to St. Helena Bay. (FO)

Filmography

As Musician/Composer

Hier’s Ons Weer! (Hyman Kirstein/1950), Alles Sal Regkom! (uncredited) (Director: Hyman Kirstein/1951), Altyd In My Drome (uncredited) (Pierre de Wet), ‘n Plan Is ‘n Boerdery (Pierre de Wet/1954), Fratse in die Vloot (Pierre de Wet/1958), Hou die Blink Kant Bo (Emil Nofal/1960), Gevaarlike Spel (Al Debbo/1962), Kimberley Jim (Emil Nofal/1963).

As Actor

Matieland! (Pierre de Wet/1955), Dis Lekker Om Te Lewe (Pierre de Wet/1957), Donker Afrika (David Millin/1957), Fratse in die Vloot (Pierre de Wet/1958), Hou die Blink Kant Bo (Emil Nofal/1960), Boerboel de Wet (Al Debbo/1961), Gevaarlike Spel (Al Debbo/1962), Jasper le Feuvre (television series) (Daan Retief/1984).