Ahead of his debut South African tour in March 2025, we sat down with singer-songwriter James Bay to chat all things South Africa, including what he’s most looking forward to during his time in Mzansi, and what to expect from the live show.
“Is it called like a bray? When everyone gets together for a nice barbecue?” he asks me over a Zoom call. Needless to say, the legendary folk crooner is most excited for a lekker braai once he’s touched down on our sunny shores, and can you blame him?
“I don’t want to make out like I’m a big wine guy, but I am also very excited to sample some wine,” he adds.
Known for his rousing, heartfelt acoustics, Bay will be touring in support of his new album Changes All The Time, his fourth studio album in ten years.
“This time in-between is pleasant but slightly numb,” says Bay, “once the music has gone out into the world and fans are listening to it and learning it, which is special, but it’s also the part I have the least contact with.”
Including the hit singles “Easy Distraction” and “Up All Night” (featuring Noah Kahan and The Lumineers), Changes All The Time is already shaping up to do incredibly well. It’s an album that is full of love and life and introspection, offering Bay’s tried and tested sound yet with touches of a more carefree spirit. Like he’s trading the sadness of previous records for a newfound lightness.
“When I made this record, I had my band in the studio with me for the first time ever, the band that I tour with,” says Bay. “I think it will be a slightly easier transition from studio to live show, adapting songs for the live set,” he adds.
“Sometimes you have to be a bit less intricate live, which is an interesting but also delicate process,” Bay continues. “Changing the dynamics of a song to figure out how it should sound live is something I’m very much looking forward to.”
Building a new setlist is no easy task, especially for someone with as prolific a discography as Bay. “My ego kicks in, when I think of my catalogue of music and I think of my fans and what they want to hear,” he says. “There are a lot of fans who still know and love my first album, and then there are the fans who want to hear the new stuff, and I’ve got to provide for everyone in the venue.”
“It’s like a difficult puzzle, but it’s also my favourite kind of puzzle to solve,” adds Bay.
We all know what it’s like, pulling up to see one of your favourite artists and then leaving disappointed because you didn’t get to hear your favourite tunes. Remember that one time Radiohead arrived at Austin City Limits and played the entire King Of Limbs album once through, nothing else, before abruptly ending their set?
“Going to see a show is tough, it’s almost like you’re cattle being corralled,” jokes Bay. “As exciting as it is, you’re packed into an often tight space, your legs get sore, and don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining, I love live music, but I think it’s so important that you’re given a brilliant time you know? Especially if that means sacrificing some of the newer material to give people what they want.”
“I want people to leave saying, he played everything I wanted him to play and I can’t wait to see him again,” adds Bay.
All things considered, I think it would be pretty reasonable to say that you can expect some mighty sing-along moments, in true Saffa style. Old stuff, new stuff, it’s all going to be beautiful.
James Bay will be playing at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town on March 27 and Marks Park, Emmarentia in Johannesburg on March 29. Get tickets here.
