Man Candy: Meet Wren Hinds, singer-songwriter blending folk, storytelling and soul

From the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal to Cape Town’s creative pulse, Wren Hinds has been steadily carving his place in South Africa’s music scene. With four albums under his belt, the latest being "Don’t Die in the Bundu" (2023), and a year spent touring across the country with his band, he’s built a reputation for songs that feel both intimate and timeless. Rooted in folk, shaped by a storyteller’s heart, and carried by a voice dipped in soul, Hinds captures the quiet truths of fatherhood, love, and life by the ocean.

What first drew you to music, and do you remember the moment you decided to pursue it seriously?

lifestyle

Man Candy: Clint Brink’s unforgettable portrayal in Kings of Jo’burg puts him back on top

I was raised in an artistic household, my father was a recording artist and gigging musician, and my mother a painter, so music has always been at the heart of my life. The moment I decided to pursue it seriously came just after high school; it was a mix of necessity and a deep need for creative expression that demanded an outlet. Simply put, my world has always revolved around music and the arts, so this path has felt like a natural evoluti

Your music carries a very distinct sound , how would you describe your genre to someone hearing it for the first time?

I try my best to avoid the concept of "genre." I believe each piece of music should stand on its own, with its own unique traits and qualitie, and that's often the case with my work. When an idea or song begins to take shape, I like to follow where it naturally wants to go. There’s a kind of magic in letting the song lead; it’s like chipping away at a block of wood until the shape reveals itself. Most of the music that inspired me growing up came from the folk tradition, singer-songwriters, storytellers, so I’d describe my music as something along those lines.

What stories or experiences shaped your last album, Don’t Die in the Bundu, and is there any new music or a project on the horizon?

Don’t Die in the Bundu was my fourth record, and the first to be released on a proper label. The songs were all written between 2020 and 2021, during a time of global lockdowns, widespread unrest, and intense personal change. My home province of KZN was experiencing looting and riots, the world felt charged with confusion, anger, and uncertainty, and in the midst of it all, I was expecting my first child. Not long after my son was born, I had a traumatic encounter at gunpoint in Cape Town. All of these moments shaped the spirit of the album,which is why it’s called Don’t Die in the Bundu.

There’s always new music on the horizon. I’m currently workshopping 11 new songs for a future release and spending time with my band recording live sessions of the material we’ve been developing together. As a father, I’m learning how to balance the demands of family and creative life. I don’t have the luxury of disappearing into a studio for weeks at a time, there are people who need me now, so I’m learning to find rhythm in the in-between moments.

Can you tell us about your band , how did you come together and what’s the creative chemistry like?

I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have these remarkable musicians, over the past two years. They’re truly exceptional artists, and the chemistry between us is something special. It feels like all the right elements came together in one room to create a perfect sonic world. Sharing a stage and making music with this band is an absolute privilege.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wren Hinds (@wrenhinds)

You’ve been touring across South Africa this year, with more shows still to come , what has it been like taking your music to different corners of the country?

Yes, what a blessing taking the band on the road and bringing the music to different corners of the country this past year. The shows for the most part have been amazing, you never know what to expect on any given day or show- but we've made many new friends and wellwishers on the way, and it's our duty to carry the torch and keep touring.

What’s your take on the live music culture in South Africa right now , do you think it’s evolving in a positive way?

South Africa is full of opportunities and possibilities- our live music culture is not as well developed as our friends in Europe, UK or USA- but I believe people are looking for live experiences and connection in this age of endless screen-time and sensory overload. Music in general has also been sidelined as some sort of background noise or something that you subscribe to and have limitless access to- there's a mystery to the art that is often overlooked- and I believe the live experience will become more and more valuable as the world moves closer to AI and digital overstimulation.I think it will evolve constantly and the counterculture will always be positive- especially with what we do- our music has no bells & whistles, no looping or gimmicks, we're a good old fashioned band, writing songs and performing them, and building community around them. South African audiences need to take chances on more unknown or underground acts- showing support by pre-buying tickets, because that's what will keep this scene alive and healthy. Otherwise we risk all our world-class acts moving to Berlin, Europe or the States.

How did you navigate finding your own voice and identity in music, rather than following trends?

For me, this journey unfolded naturally in a kind of grassroots way- I've always found it hard to fit in with the norm, and have been repelled by the 'trends' ever since I was a kid- I'm still figuring it out as I go, but I think the answer is to stay true to yourself, follow your intuition and express yourself the way you're called to regardless of anyone or anything else. Also, for me, having faith and belief in a much higher power has been my guiding light and grounding force on this journey.

South African musician. Wren Hinds. Image: Supplied

When people look back at your music years from now, what do you hope they’ll remember?

Songs are mysterious creatures, and although I might write about one thing, it can be translated into something completely different based on who's listening to it. I think people resonate with songs because they're interpreted according to their experiences, it's like the song was made just for the listener and their experience- and I hope people can resonate and relate with the songs on a personal level.