“ UMOYA WETHU MEANS‘ OUR SPIRIT’ AND THE LYRICS OF THE CHORUS MEAN WE COME TOGETHER.”
COVER FEATURE
A defining moment in his career came mid-2025,“ I had my first reel go semi-viral, hitting over 100K views. In the subsequent months, my following grew by a couple thousand and, more notably, my Spotify listeners went from 9 000 to over 170K.”
“ UMOYA WETHU MEANS‘ OUR SPIRIT’ AND THE LYRICS OF THE CHORUS MEAN WE COME TOGETHER.”
THE SPIRIT OF UMOYA WETHU
One of his standout tracks,“ Umoya Wethu”, blends English, Afrikaans and isiZulu and perfectly encapsulates his mission.“ Umoya Wethu means‘ our spirit’ and the lyrics of the chorus mean we come together, we are the same, our spirit lives within us,” he says.
And it’ s clearly resonated with listeners.“ The reception has been incredible. I’ ve never experienced so much traffic, encouragement, and anticipation. South Africans abroad have been especially vocal, as the song reminds them of everything they miss back home.”
There have also been occasional negative comments, which Tanner accepts as part of the price of putting himself, and his art, out into the world. Instead of dwelling on them, he uses the criticism as motivation to respond with hope.
You’ d think that his sudden‘ fame’ has gone to his head, but Tanner approaches this new chapter of his life with balance and purpose.“ For me, success is being able to provide for myself, my future wife and children, and my immediate family, while honouring God by giving back with the gifts He’ s given me. That’ s the holistic image of success in my eyes.”
Looking ahead, Tanner stays humble but busy, joking that he’ s basically just trying to keep up with all the blessings that came knocking after last year’ s big break.
“ Between planning numerous tours locally and internationally, running the business side of what I do, plus time with friends and family. I have many ideas in the pocket I can’ t wait to share, but no timeline yet,“ he says.
Watch this space … we see big things coming soon. IB
TANNER UNPLUGGED
Coffee or tea? Coffee Studio session or live performance? Live performance One song you wish you wrote?“ King Of Time” by Jonny Clegg Favourite travel destination? Zimbabwe Go-to comfort meal? Carbonara Dream collaboration? Bring Bob Marley back to life, otherwise Sun-El Musician
14 INBOUND SA / APRIL 2026