What We Are, Tyran Roy & Kellen Crystin Live @ MiTH

MiTH – 12 March 2025

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50.00 (Cash or Zapper at the Door)

Info: 082 331 7271

8:45 PM – What We Are

What We Are is a Midlands-based band that delivers a rich fusion of reggae, folk, and soul, weaving together sassy grooves, roots rhythms, and acoustic melodies with a streak of lyrical activism. At its core, the band is driven by the dynamic duo of Swedish vocalist, songwriter, and ukulele player Natalie Baxter, and South African percussionist, producer, and creator of the dream tank drum, Nic Lansdell. Since 2013, they have been crafting original music together, performing across southern Africa and parts of northern Europe, leaving their mark on audiences at festivals in Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa.

In 2021, their sound took on new depth when they were joined by multi-instrumentalist Quintin Song, who had already been making waves in the South African music scene since 2011. With his expertise in both acoustic guitar and bass, Quintin added a new dimension to the band’s already vibrant and percussive sound. Together, the three musicians create music that is deeply reflective of the times – songs that carry messages of resilience, unity, and the transformative power of sound.

Inspired by artists like Bob Marley, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Xavier Rudd, and Nahko and Medicine for the People, What We Are channels the spirit of conscious music, infusing each performance with raw emotion and authenticity. Their music is not just entertainment – it is an experience, an invitation to reconnect with the essence of what makes music so powerful. Whether performing at intimate venues or on the stages of renowned festivals like MTN Bushfire, ForrFest, Caracal Untamed, Smoking Dragon Festival, and Splashy Fen, the band’s energy remains infectious. They have also played at events like Music on the River, Harmony Gathering Festival, Canna Con, and The Cannabis Expo, as well as well-loved venues such as MiTH, Snatch 32, The Radium Beer Hall, and Railways.

What We Are is committed to performing only original music, believing in the potency of musical medicine to uplift and unite. With each performance, they invite their audience on a journey – one that reminds us of the passion, emotion, and shared human experience that music has the power to ignite.

7:45 PM – Tyran Roy

With a voice that carries the grit of the open road and the soul of a storyteller, Tyran Roy weaves together the raw energy of blues, the heart of folk, the grit of rock, and the storytelling tradition of country. His music is both timeless and fresh, drawing listeners into a journey of introspection, resilience, and the search for meaning. Accompanied by backup vocalist Kellen Crystin, his stripped-down yet powerful performances showcase an authenticity that is rare and deeply moving.

Born and raised in Durban, Tyran’s musical journey has taken him across the country, shaping the stories and emotions that define his songwriting. His latest project, Lonely Road, was written while traveling, and is a testament to his wanderer’s spirit and deep connection to life’s winding paths. After an electrifying performance at STRAB in Mozambique last year, he has released three singles from his upcoming album and is set to take the stage at Splashy Fen’s Sedgwick’s Acoustic Stage later this year.

Tyran’s passion for music runs deep, sparked by his grandfather’s influence and nurtured by the legendary songwriters and guitarists who shaped his sound. Over the years, he has shared the stage with some of South Africa’s most respected musicians, opening for the likes of Nibs van der Spuy, Steve Newman, and Albert Frost. A defining moment in his career came when he was invited to perform alongside Albert Frost, standing shoulder to shoulder with one of the country’s blues greats. Along the way, he also found mentorship in David Marks, whose guidance has left a lasting impact on his artistic path.

Committed to original music with only the occasional cover woven into his set, Tyran Roy’s performances are an intimate invitation into his world. Whether delivering foot-stomping energy with his acoustic guitar and stomp box or drawing the audience into quiet moments of reflection, his music is an honest and soulful expression of the road he’s travelled – and the one still ahead.

7 PM – Kellen Crystin

With a voice that lingers in the spaces between nostalgia and longing, Kellen Crystin crafts music that is as moody as it is soulful. Rooted in folk but touched by blues and country influences, her sound invites listeners into a deeply personal journey – one that reflects both the past and the present in quiet, introspective melodies.

Accompanied by Tyran Roy on guitar, Kellen’s performances create an intimate atmosphere, drawing audiences into the raw emotional spaces that everyday life often leaves unexplored.

Inspired by the storytelling brilliance of Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, the sultry warmth of Norah Jones, and the timeless spirit of Dolly Parton and Cat Clyde, Kellen’s music carries the weight of experience while offering moments of tenderness and reflection. Though she has spent years performing as a cover artist at restaurants, events, and weddings across KwaZulu-Natal, her recent focus has been on bringing her original compositions to life. With the guitar now an integral part of her performances, she has stepped into a new chapter – one where her own voice and stories take centre stage.

Every song she sings is an invitation to reminisce, to feel, and to connect with the emotions that so often slip through the cracks of daily life. Whether performing in an intimate setting or on a larger stage, Kellen’s music is a gentle yet powerful reminder of the beauty found in vulnerability and self-expression.

ABOUT MiTH:

KZN Midlands’ favourite music venue! MiTH is a platform for beginners, pros, and music lovers to celebrate the joy of music.

Every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.

Food and soft drinks for sale. Cash bar available.

Visit www.mith.co.za for more info or email mithbookings@gmail.com to perform.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH:

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right; the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.