Gareth Haze is a South African-born, UK-based singer-songwriter whose musical journey is deeply rooted in both family tradition and a diverse array of influences.
Raised in an environment where music was celebrated and nurtured, Gareth’s passion for sound emerged early, paving the way for him to master an impressive range of instruments including guitar, drums, piano, marimba, xylophone, timpani, and various percussion instruments.
Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of folk, rock, pop, and blues, Gareth’s music is a vibrant fusion that is both acoustic and dynamically electrified when the song calls for it. He admires the innovative production techniques of legendary bands like The Beatles and Queen, and his lyrical narrative takes cues from the poetic honesty of artists such as Frank Turner and Dashboard Confessional. The deep, resonant storytelling found in the work of icons like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan further informs his approach, allowing him to transform simple melodies into profound, impactful pieces.
A self-professed fan of rock and punk, Gareth embraces a DIY ethos on stage that encourages spontaneity and raw emotional expression. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: it is better to play a note imperfectly with passion than to deliver a flawless performance devoid of heart. This approach has not only defined his live performances but also established him as a sincere and relatable voice within the modern music scene.
Beyond his solo endeavours, Gareth’s creative lineage is underscored by his connection to the South African rock scene, being the brother of acclaimed artist Mark Haze. This familial link enriches his musical identity, blending personal heritage with a forward-thinking artistry that continues to evolve with every performance and recording.
With a commitment to authenticity and a relentless pursuit of musical exploration, Gareth Haze stands as a unique and compelling figure in today’s music landscape – a true multi-instrumentalist who invites listeners to experience the raw beauty of music in its most honest form.
Expression Africa brings you Gareth at a moment when personal loss becomes a shared journey of healing through music. Gareth now steps forward as a solo singer-songwriter.
Together with his brother, they’ve forged a creative partnership that blends indie alt-rock with raw punk energy and heartfelt folk storytelling, crafting songs that resonate across genres and continents. In their latest collaboration, Gareth transforms the grief of losing their father into an uplifting folk-rock anthem, ‘Never Have I Ever’ released on 9 May – a powerful reminder that music transcends borders and speaks to fans of all persuasions.
EXPRESSION AFRICA: Born in Cape Town and now based in London, how has that dual heritage shaped the themes and sonic colours of ‘Never Have I Ever’?
GARETH HAZE: Storytelling ties the two cities together so well. As a child, I loved hearing my grandparents’ tales of life in Cape Town; moving to London felt as though some of those stories came alive in how the city operates. It’s incredibly modern in many ways, yet it holds fast to tradition and history. That blend of narratives, combined with the community spirit shared by both Capetonians and Londoners, inspired the idea of a song that families, friends and even strangers can sing along to together, sharing in a collective experience.
‘Never Have I Ever’ emerged from your father’s passing. Many find solace in song – how do you hope this track comforts someone in the same situation?
Music has been my comfort since my teenage years. With everything I write, I hope it resonates with the listener. I want this song to speak to anyone who feels a part of them is missing, to show that it’s okay to grieve and that, even though life changes, you will be all right.
Working across two continents, your partnership with Mark is both deeply personal and technically impressive. How has this long-distance collaboration shaped your bond as brothers and artists, and what does it say about music’s power to connect across any divide?
I’ve always loved making music with Mark. We share many influences and a similar work ethic, and collaborating gives us more reasons to stay in touch. It’s easy for weeks to drift by when you’re busy, but having a shared purpose keeps us connected. Music’s power to unite is something I see all the time in London – there’s a real camaraderie in concert audiences here that’s truly special.
Your sound draws from indie, alternative, punk, folk and Americana. As someone open to varied exploration, have you considered incorporating genres such as Afrobeat or Amapiano?
Yes, I’m open to anything that feels authentic. I’m always happy to draw inspiration from varied styles, whether in rhythms, chords or tones and tunings.
As a multi-instrumentalist, you layer percussion, guitar, piano and more. Which instrument on ‘Never Have I Ever’ carries the deepest emotional resonance?
I’d say the drums. They bring a sense of freedom – loud, fast and almost unruly. To me, they represent shaking out your emotions and not being afraid to feel everything in the moment.
How will you bring this song to life on stage, whether at festivals or intimate club shows?
I’ve been performing it solo with acoustic guitar for a while. It’s a lovely song to attack hard on the guitar, really digging into the strings. It often surprises people who expect an acoustic act to be quiet and subdued. If I play larger festivals, I’ll bring a band on board – it’s a track you want to play loud.
Many young artists dream of global impact. What guidance would you offer about staying true to your roots while reaching listeners worldwide?
Know when to compromise and when to stick to your guns. In the studio, fight to ensure your song conveys your intended message and that your vision remains central. But don’t be too proud – good producers are your allies in crafting a recording people will want to hear. Hear them out and be open to their ideas; you might be surprised by the results.
If ‘Never Have I Ever’ were adapted into a short film or visual art installation touring from Dakar to Durban, what imagery and artistic elements would you weave in?
Hundreds of printed photographs. Photography can freeze both a moment and the feeling it evokes. I’d fill a gallery with images capturing a range of memories, from the profoundly meaningful to the everyday mundane, because that’s what life truly is.
The digital age allows fans to remix and reinterpret music in real time. If you invited producers to create an official remix of ‘Never Have I Ever,’ what elements would you insist they preserve, and where would you allow creative freedom?
The structure, lyrics and melody are essential – altering those would strip the song of its meaning. Beyond that, remixers could explore anything they like, though I’d ask them to maintain a chord progression throughout. I’ve heard remixes where the vocals feel lost because the underlying key vanished in favour of a catchy beat; I’d want to avoid that.
The lyrics paint vivid scenes – from withered grass to journeys between Table Bay and London. How might you translate those images into a music video, and what settings or narrative beats would you use?
Ideally, I’d hand-animate it, perhaps in a style that blends painting and line drawing, morphing to tell the song’s story. More realistically, I’ll compile footage of live performances and studio sessions, focusing on the process and the performance itself rather than a strict narrative.
Will this be the lead single from your forthcoming ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’? How does it inform the album’s artwork, photography and overall visual identity?
Initially, I intended it as the opening track, so yes, it’s the lead single for now, though that may change. I’m leaning towards two EPs rather than a full album, with ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ as the first. The artwork will retain my own handwriting for a personal touch, perhaps with additional colour to reflect each song’s story. I hand-drew an abstract piece on one of my guitar cases in acrylic markers and loved it; I’m thinking of something similar for the EP covers.
Music can unite communities across cultures. What message do you hope ‘Never Have I Ever’ sends to listeners from every corner of the continent?
I hope it shows people that even when life feels hopeless and you feel alone, you’re still blessed each morning you wake. By choosing to live and embrace each day, you honour those you’ve lost and build a legacy for those who remain.
Looking beyond this single, what’s on the horizon? Any collaborations or new directions Expression Africa readers should watch for?
I’m working on a lot of new music and aim to release my first EP by the end of the year, with a follow-up in 2026. I’m also considering recording acoustic versions of my songs to showcase the live style I currently perform.
