PIET wat POMPIES was

Pieter Carel Nicolaas van der Byl, also known by his stage name Piet Pompies, was a South African artist, comedian, and radio personality. His humorous and entertaining performances made him a beloved figure in South African entertainment. Let’s delve into more details about this remarkable individual:

• Early Life and Career:

  • Pieter van der Byl was born in 1922 and grew up during the Depression years.
  • He worked as a railway man, eventually advancing to the position of station master.
  • In the late 1940s, he began performing in coffeehouse concerts that were broadcast by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SAUK) under the title “Vrolikheid in die Koffiehuis.”
  • From 1950 to 1962, he wrote a weekly half-hour program called “Caltex Kaskenades” for the former Springbokradio, where he performed alongside Pip Freedman.
  • He was also involved in creating the film “Next Stop Makouvlei.”

• Musical Talent and Songwriting:

  • Piet Pompies was not only a comedian but also a skilled songwriter. He composed approximately 280 songs during the years when he wrote radio programs and held concerts.
  • In 1952, he released 14 records featuring his music.
  • His popular songs include titles like “Haar pa wou nie gaan slaap,” “Antjies die rooibruin hen,” “Kaboemielies,” and “Sousboontjies.”

• Legacy and Impact:

  • Piet Pompies left a lasting impression on audiences with his witty humor and unique stage presence.
  • His famous catchphrase, “Goeienaand, Dames en Here … Goodnight, Ladies and Gentlemen,” immediately captured the audience’s attention.
  • Pieter-Dirk Uys, another renowned South African performer, fondly remembers Piet Pompies as his first true stand-up comedian.
  • Johan Stemmet, host of the music show “Noot vir Noot,” also acknowledges Piet’s comedic talent.

• Personal Life and Passing:

  • Piet van der Byl passed away in 1992.
  • His daughter, Elsa (Dixon) van der Byl, compiled a book titled “Piet wat Pompies was” (Malan Media, 2018), shedding light on the man behind the alias Piet Pompies.
  • Elsa’s book provides insights into Pieter’s life from the 1940s to the 1980s, drawing from her mother’s memoirs and extracts from his articles in various sources.

Piet Pompies remains a cherished figure in South African entertainment history, and his contributions continue to resonate with audiences today¹[1]²[2]³3. 🎤🎶