MUSIC FEATURE
WITHSA
FROM
LOVE
BY BYRON LUKAS
From global stages to a South African braai, rising pop star Will Linley shares the places, people, and sounds that make South Africa home.
WHAT LOCAL TRADITIONS, PLACES, OR EXPERIENCES KEEP YOU GROUNDED NO MATTER WHERE YOUR CAREER TAKES YOU? What I love most about South Africa is the way that people treat each other. No matter where I go, I am always taken aback by how South Africans make you feel welcome, included, and comfortable. It’ s not necessarily a local tradition, but I do just think it makes us unique. And, obviously, a braai!
IF YOU COULD CREATE THE ULTIMATE SOUTH AFRICAN SOUNDTRACK, WHICH THREE LOCAL SONGS WOULD BE ON IT AND WHY? I’ d choose Great Heart by Johnny Clegg. It’ s one of my favourite songs and he was one of the first artists I saw in concert. The second would be Take Yours, I’ ll Take Mine by Matthew Mole. Need I say more? He’ s my hero.
Finally, I’ d pick Doo Be Doo by Freshlyground. I remember watching them live and being so captivated by the performance. Everyone in the audience was dancing and singing every word. All three acts have done incredible things to bring South Africans together through music.
WHAT DOES A PERFECT DAY OFF AT HOME LOOK LIKE? Anything involving friends, whether it’ s playing tennis, going to the beach, having dinner, or enjoying a glass of wine at the local bar. I love it all!
WHAT PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN HABIT OR SAYING HAVE YOU HAD TO EXPLAIN TO INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS? The classic“ now now”,“ just now”, and“ now” always lands me in trouble and I have to explain myself repeatedly. South Africans don’ t take themselves too seriously. I’ m very sarcastic, so I often have to tone that down because people otherwise take me too seriously, and that’ s never good!
98 INBOUND SA / SEPTEMBER 2026