Tanz Nero

BIO

Tanz Nero is a songwriter and guitarist from South Africa. He started playing the Guitar at the age of 16. In 2006, Tanswill formally studied music theory at Xulon Music Tech. Thereafter, he went on to teach music for a year. His original compositions include African Jazz and Soul Fusion.

Tanz Nero has performed at numerous events and festivals including the Cape Town Youth Jazz Festival (2007), the Klein Karoo Kunstefees (2008) and the Zurich Festival in Switzerland where he performed alongside music icon Trevor Sampson and ‘Supersterre winner’ Justine. Amongst of his performances, he also performed at the Suidoosterfees.

In the words of Mynie Grove, ‘this is certainly a sensation that South Africa should look out for’. In 2007, Tanz Nero formed part of the group Afrocentric he was the Lead Guitarist, Band Leader & Songwriter where he wrote and produced their music, including the hit single “Mammas Words”. He composed music for Black Current, and later moved on and formed part of a band called Ink where he wrote and composed music for.

In 2009, he was one of the 12 finalists in the Huisgenoot song writing competition. His song “jy is alles” was performed by Loyiso Bala. Tanz Nero has performed with many well-known artists, including Wanda Baloyi, Camillo Lombard, Sammy Webber and Melanie Sholtz.

In 2013, ‘I decided to move to Johannesburg to further career in the music industry ‘says Tanz Nero. In a short time, his amazing Electric Guitar abilities caught the attention of many established artists all over South Africa. He has also shared the stage with David Kramer, Claire Phillips, Judith Sepuma, Mahle, PJ Powers, Lebo Sekgobela, Zahara, Bianca Le Grange, Brian Temba and late Sifiso Ncwane and the late HHP just to name a few who he has worked with.

In 2014, Tanz Nero formed part of a group ‘Hovnbae’ a versatile six-piece band. The band offered the highest quality of entertainment suitable for any event. They were rooted in RnB, but their trademark was their skillful fusion of a vast variety of genres Eg: Jazz, Pop, Funk and Classical music. Hovnbae has performed at many events such as Saint John’s College, News Café Emperors Palace and Hill fox, Katzys, Liquid Chefs (Rosebank) and Whinnies - Up and Coming and more.

In 2016, Tanz Nero moved on to focus on his solo career and work on his debut album. He performed at the V&A Waterfront in 2016 and the Eldos Jazz Festival in 2017.In 2019, Tanz was selected to compete in the Emirates Pursuit of Jazz competition, for South Africa’s top Jazz artist where he was selected in the top 16 Jazz Artists. Tanz Nero also caught the eye of television producers and has featured in three television adverts as the lead actor for Ster-Kinekor, Stylin' Dredz, and Consol and a full spread in two magazines – Destiny and True love magazine.

Tanz Nero has completed his debut album released on the 4th April 2020.The album consists of 10 jazz songs. Each song is versatile and is blended with unique guitar riffs and sounds, with elements of a deep Cape Town feel. The music does not speak to a specific age group but to everyone who can relate. The album is currently playing on Metro FM and The Kofifi Radio Station – K Jazz Show. On the 16th December, Tanz Nero released his first single with a music video. The single “I don’t think it’s over really means a lot to me; it is an uplifting song for everyone that is going through a rough time. Mental Health is very important to me and we need to understand it more. We must encourage and uplift our neighbors, and through this song I want everyone to know that no matter what the challenges are that they might be facing, they must not give up you to persevere is a message I want to deliver” says Tanz Nero.

In 2021, Tanz Nero was nominated for four Mzantsi Jazz Awards for the 5th Annual Jazz Awards. Best Newcomer, Best Contemporary Jazz Album, Best Jazz Song and Best Male Artist. He remains passionate to his art and his gift of creating incredible songs paired with his phenomenal vocal ability, Tanz Nero continues to create music which all ages can relate to. Tanz Nero believes there is no limit to your dreams, your dreams can become a reality through perseverance.