A sportsman turned emerging artist and social star; Xavier Haupt is a visionary at heart.
The Belville-born, 23-year-old Capetonian, who grew up in a small dorpie just outside of Springbok, is filled with energy and excitement as he gets ready for his first cover shoot. Upon chatting to the now TikTok-famous social media star, we learned that he is quite the visionary who hopes to have a positive impact on people’s lives in the future. “I live by a philosophy that a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle,” Xavier says.
It’s safe to say that appearing on Love Island SA really catapulted your career to new heights. What was your experience during and after the show like?
It absolutely did, 100%. I’m so grateful that I was afforded the entire experience, and I’m thankful for all the friends I made. I truly enjoyed being on the show. I would recommend anyone to apply if a second season comes along. After the show ended, I actually had no idea what avenue to explore, if I’m being honest. Acting was one idea I had, and so was stand-up comedy. But as I saw my Instagram presence experience more and more growth, I realised that I could work in social media, make a living for myself, make people laugh and entertain them. I love entertaining others and spreading happiness. Laughter is the best medicine, after all.
Growing up, what did you want to be when you were older? And how does it compare to what you’re doing now?
Growing up, I was all about rugby; nothing else mattered. And after high school, my main focus was pursuing the sport full-time as I received a two-year contract with the Blue Bulls. After those two years had passed, I started playing for the DHL Western Province U21 Currie Cup squad. Things changed over time, though. When rugby didn’t work out as planned, I had no idea what the way forward was, and then Love Island SA happened – everything changed after that. I just couldn’t see myself sitting behind a desk for a job every day for the rest of my life. The idea of it just didn’t sit right with me, and I didn’t want that for myself and my family. What I’m doing now is a whole other ball game to rugby, but I enjoy every second of being in the social media industry.
In your line of work, looking the part is important, and your fashion game is strong! Who were some of your greatest style influences?
Honestly, my biggest style influence was my best friend, Skye Gee. I couldn’t dress for days; my style was bad. So, I always looked at the way he styled pieces and it inspired me to dress up and always try and look my best. It doesn’t matter where you’re going and you never know who you’ll walk into or meet during the day. So I always want to look presentable, approachable and smell good. Nowadays I do get some cool inspiration from other Instagram fashion influencers as well, though.
What’s the secret to doing social media right?
I believe that with social media, the more you put yourself out there and share your most authentic self with your audience, the more you’ll get consistent work and opportunities coming your way. For example, some people are often one person online and another in real life. Whereas, I am the exact same person as people have seen on TV or social media. I’m a clown, but can be very serious when needed. I have a very small circle and I’m inspired by all of the people in it. That’s very important to me and I express those values in all avenues of my life. It’s all about consistency and being real. Also, right now TikTok is definitely the place to be to grow your online presence. It’s a fun platform that can even be quite educational. I also get the sense that people tend to be more themselves on TikTok; that’s awesome.
We’ve seen the videos of you showing off your vocals. Tell us about your passion for music. When did this all start?
I’ve always had a love for music, and when I say love I don’t just mean that I listen to music. No one really knows, but I always used to write poems for the fun of it. I also decided I wanted to learn how to play the guitar. So I taught myself through YouTube. I had a vision that I would be up on stage and performing someday, but I never ever took it seriously as a kid. Then one day my beautiful girlfriend, Nadia Jaftha, asked me why I don’t pursue making music because I have “a very unique voice”. A few days after that we pulled up to our close friend Luke Goliath’s studio (one of the best producers in the game). After that day my love for making music reignited and it dawned on me that I had found my purpose and passion.
My plan is to drop a couple of singles, showcasing different genres, and see what the audience resonates with more. I want to show that I’m a versatile artist. After that, an album will definitely be on the cards.
SA is currently obsessed with ‘Xadia’. How are you two navigating being in the public eye, and what are your plans for summer?
Luckily, we’re both comfortable within the social media environment and the public eye, and we see it as a way of connecting with the people that love and support us. This summer I’m hoping we can do some travelling; I’ve never been overseas. So we would like to explore the world more, together. That’s the plan.
What keeps you motivated on a daily basis to keep striving for more?
Mediocrity: [I want] to do more and aim higher. It may sound like a cliché but I just can’t settle on being average. I have big visions for myself, my beautiful girlfriend and for my family. They deserve the best and I’ll make sure that they get nothing less than that. So I guess you could say that my family, girlfriend, and our future are my biggest motivations in life. Also, when I’m long gone, I want people to be able to say that I touched their hearts. Whether it was through music, social media or personal encounters. I feel it’s important to be kind to people – it costs nothing. And if you look at it deeper, it’s a win-win situation; the other person walks away with a smile on their face and you feel great about yourself because you just made someone else’s day.
“I WANT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT I TOUCHED THEIR HEARTS. WHETHER IT WAS THROUGH MUSIC, SOCIAL MEDIA OR PERSONAL ENCOUNTERS”
More fun facts about Xavier Haupt
Style must-have:
Accessories. Anything from chains, rings and earrings to my watches. It just rounds off a look and gives it more flavour.
Cheat-day treat:
Sushi for mains, definitely some form of dessert, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Signature scent:
Versace Eros fragrances.
Favourite colour:
Light green.
Three things you just can’t live without:
My loved ones (family and friends), my girlfriend, and music.
Words by Chandre Emma Kippie
Photography: Zhann Solomons
