Tanner Wareham is no stranger to the stage at Splashy Fen, and word has it this Hillcrest live loop artist and songwriter is dialling it up a notch this year.
If you’ve not yet had the chance to see the magic of Tanner Wareham performing live, then you’re missing out on a whole lot of happy vibes. Inspired by legends like Jimmy Hendrix and Bob Marley, this musical prodigy brings his own upbeat blend of acoustic pop, funk and reggae to the music world, drawing sounds from dance and African pop.
Armed often with more than just his trusty acoustic – although he also plays the Ukelele, piano, the keyboard, drums, a harmonica, mandolin and a variety of guitars – you’ll more than likely find him clad in shorts, unless he’s singing at church, then a funky button up and cool socks define his signature style – one that we just love!
Although on stage he tends to be very wrapped up in his performance since he does a whole bunch of things all at once, Tanner says he loves nothing more than an engaging crowd. Off stage he’s the easy going and approachable guy everybody loves.
“I’d like to say that I’ve made about a million best friends from all the shows I’ve done,” Tanner says, reflecting on his music career. “I qualified as a chemical engineer, a trade which I still use when circumstances allow, but if I wasn’t a musician I’d probably be stuck in a career that had something to do with numbers. I’m a critical thinker and I love data.”
Tanner was first exposed to music at primary school. He was six when he started playing the recorder, soon becoming obsessed with the piano. From there it was a classical journey followed by a love for rock and guitar in his teens, indie bands during university and more recently a solo career that has taken him around South Africa and across Europe.
“I love making music more and more each day. It has exposed me to thousands of people and relationships and some of the most beautiful places and experiences, and it has huge spiritual significance for me. It is the one space that never fails to bring me joy and peace, and it helps me make others happy.”
Tanner says his songs are all quite diverse, with each one typically adapting a different genre.
“I’ve had gospel songs, acoustic dance, reggae and even folk and worship. I love to dive into different genres, and the songs I work on at any given point in my life will reflect whatever I’m listening to or enjoying at that point. Most of the time, inspiration hits while performing live,” says Tanner who earns his bread and butter through private gigs and thrives at music festivals like Splashy Fen, where he’s climbed the ladder from Open Mic to a capacity crowd where the energy was electric and special, and he felt so much love.
“What makes this festival so special is its motto of friendliness and humanity. It’s the spirit of Durban – the best people on earth – and encourages equality and humility. Crowds are always so accepting of artists, and everyone just wants to get along while creating a safe, worry-free environment for the whole family,” Tanner says, describing the atmosphere at Splashy.
“And it all starts with the drive there. I’ll be driving Boris, my blue Suzuki Brezza, carrying a couple bezzas! In the past we’d stop at Puckety Farm for their legendary bread and jam, but sadly they’ve closed, so we’ll probably stop at the good old Boston Garage for a coffee.”
And you can forget the warmth of a cosy nearby hotel, Tanner is a full-on camper who thrives on this family tradition. “The atmosphere alone just gets you so ignited.”
And while Tanner is looking forward to getting pumped by local bands like Desmond and the Tutus, Black Whiskey (KZN’s very own Greenday) and The Rocc Lobsters who he’ll be playing keys for during one of their sets, he’s always keen to follow the international acts to see how they put their sounds and sets together.
“This year will be my first set with someone else on stage,” says Tanner who’s teaming up with percussionist Mbongeni Makhaye. “He’ll be playing drums, which means I’ll be more free to focus on my singing and performance. I have a powerful set planned which I’m hoping will inspire patriotism and unity, combining languages, songs – new and old – and, as always, a happy vibe!”
Tanner’s set falls on Sunday night, March 31, so be sure not to miss him if you’re at the festival. And if you can’t get to Splashy, you can catch him at Waxy’s in Hillcrest where he’ll be headlining St. Patricks Day on March 16.
“You’ll also find me on stage at Open Skies Church in Kloof every other Sunday. I’m working on tons of new songs – some collabs and some very different to what I’ve done in the past. It’s a new era with new confidence in my material. I also feel a call to help bring a change to this country ahead of the elections by inspiring unity, softening hearts through music and encouraging people to believe in the future of South Africa.”
Details: You can follow Tanner on FB: Tanner Wareham Music or IG: @tanner.wareham
Tanner’s Easter road-trip playlist
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- Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley
- Africa – Johnnie Clegg
- Jikeleza – Bongeziwe Mabandla
- Did I Let You Know – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Shackles (Praise You) – Mary Mary
- Fill My Cup – Andrew Ripp
- Second Hand Love – Novodor
- Hippes – The Magician, Two Another
- Saturday Went By Too Fast – Luke Marzec
- Crocodile Tears – BUNT, Jens Hult
- She’s Too Good For Me – Franc Moody
- Wake Up – Purple Disco Machine
