“ RIGHT NOW, I’ D DESCRIBE MY MUSIC AS AN ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF AFRICA IN A MODERN WAY.”
COVER FEATURE
Tanner serves up a fresh twist at every show, whipping up songs in real-time that are intimate, vibrant, and proudly South African. Basically a one-man band with a PhD in lekker vibes. Inbound SA caught up with the maestro to spill the tea on his journey through the music scene, the inspiration behind his hit“ Umoya Wethu”, and his vision for 2026.
FINDING HIS SOUND
Tanner’ s music journey began early( think stilllearning-to-tie-his-shoelaces early).“ When I was six, we were taught the recorder at school. But I found myself drawn to the piano the teacher was accompanying us on. Every day I’ d pretend to play piano on tabletops wherever I was. The following year, on my birthday, a piano appeared in our driveway and that’ s where it all truly began.”
“ RIGHT NOW, I’ D DESCRIBE MY MUSIC AS AN ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF AFRICA IN A MODERN WAY.”
Since then, Tanner has outgrown“ Chopsticks”. Today, his music is an intricate blend of livelooping, improvisation, and heartfelt storytelling.“ Right now, I’ d describe my music as an attempt to capture the spirit of Africa in a modern way, but with sounds and feelings that feel familiar. Most of it is created live while I’ m looping, because that’ s when I’ m most inspired. Much of it comes from improvisation, and I believe it flows directly from my spirit within.”
THE LOOP BREAKTHROUGH
Live-looping, Tanner explains, has been a turning point in his artistry.“ A friend I used to play in a band with gifted me a small loop station and suggested I give it a try. When I began looping the sounds of my keyboard, adding drums and bass, I realised how quickly I could build the energy of a full band. That moment marked the start of my journey as a working musician.” Since then, loops have become central to his process. Many of his songs begin as ideas born in live performances, which he later develops and refines in the studio.
Tanner’ s creative process is as dynamic as his performances. Most of his songs begin in the moment, while improvising at a show or practicing with all his equipment set up. Small sparks turn into loops, and from there he improvises melodies until something resonates. The final step is usually finding the right words to shape the lyrics.“ I do all my own recording and production; thanks to the skills I’ ve developed as a solo artist over the years.”
But being South African is central to his sound.“ I, like many South Africans, love our natural habitats, especially the bush, and the native sounds of African music bring the emotions you feel in these environments to life and also foster such a sense of pride.”
APRIL 2026 / INBOUND SA 13