Roger that in SA: Brett Rogers on Food, Dudes and Tattoos

TLC has recently started a new programme on TV, called Food, Dudes and Tattoos. Pretty obvious from the title, the show is on food, dudes and well... tattoos in South Africa, as documented and presented by first timer, Brett Rogers. We were curious about some not so obvious things about the show, so we sat Brett down for some clarity.

Food, booze and dudes go together. Where do tattoos fit in?

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The spirit of the show is creativity and art, so tattoos fit in beautifully. We wanted to show that people who create, regardless of what they create, are all artists.

The show’s on South Africa. What all parts of the country have you covered?

We did Johannesburg, Durban, Nieu Bethesda, George, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town, Swellendam, Wellington, Stellenbosch, Soweto… We drove a lot from one end to another.

How long did the homework take before you decided to start shooting for the show?

For guests, which was my job, it took about two months. But the actual show took the producers more than a year of work. I was brought in for content and presentation only once all the preparation was complete. It’s incredible how they worked so hard to get it all together.

Were any special preparations required?

Well, I had to be prepared!! It was my first TV assignment, so I was really nervous about doing a good job. I had an amazing director next to me, Nic Hester, who really helped bring me out of my shell. Having said that... I have a lot to learn!

I once saw a video of removing a tattoo South Africa style where a really hot spoon was doused on the guy’s tattoo and after a few reps the paint began to spread out. Does that make sense?

Wow, that sounds like a terrible idea!!! Honestly it just sounds like you’re going to get 3rd degree burns. And then your tattoo might fall off... Shiver!

What is the strangest thing you’ve had for dinner?

I’ve eaten lamb intestines, sheep brains and Mopane worms. But I still haven’t been to Asia, so I’m sure there’s some more weird shit for me to eat!

What is the most interesting food that you’ve had?

Umm... I’d say a raclette cheese in Paris. It’s served on a sliding board that moves the cheese closer to a heating element. You eat the melting cheese using warm crispy French bread. Pure heaven!

What are the most popular tattoo trends in South Africa among youngsters?

Interesting question. I think the trends at the moment tend to be quite homemade looking. Almost a prison tjap (tattoo) as we’d say. I have a few tjaps which I love. I also see a lot of dedication now... people starting with big projects at young age. It’s pretty cool.

Tell us about your journey. What part would you like to relive?

Well, I’d love to be under the night sky in Nieu Bethesda again, relaxing and looking at shooting stars with my team around me.

The first tattoo always has a story. What’s yours?

Haha. Mine was attached to my desire to be an Olympic swimmer. I wanted to get the rings tattooed on me. I never achieved that goal, so my first tattoo is me saying goodbye to that dream. I got this terrible one on my inner left arm (three leaves intertwining). It’s such a bad tattoo, mostly scar tissue and fading. But that’s ok... Like you said, it has a story.

How many tattoos do you have on your body?

1... 2... 3... Gosh, no idea!

What part of the world would you like to explore next?

In order: India, Chile, Brazil, Alaska, Russia. I love travelling.

Your professional journey has been boundless. What drives you to choose your next vocation/ profession?

I am curious. I love to try new things and I love to learn. I want to do so much in my life that I can’t fathom just doing one thing. So, the major factor that drives me is opportunity.

Have you ever been to India? What’s your understanding of the subcontinent?

Sadly, I have not. I hear of cricket from my dad who is always angry when we lose to you guys! My understanding is based on what the media tells me. So I hear of a beautiful country, which is hugely powerful and is only getting more powerful. I know of beautiful women and hippies in Goa. I know of gorgeous natural landscapes and amazing films. I really need to come there.

From the June 2016 issue of FHM India.