Rowan Stuart

Rowan grew up in South Africa, where he performed over 1000 shows, supporting many of the country’s most successful pop and rock bands and artists, while releasing 7 original albums. He also achieved mainstream radio success.

Now based in Paignton, Devon, Rowan continues his quest to bridge the gap between reality and fantasy through the magic of music, with his signature style of ‘Story-Driven Dream Folk Pop’. He writes, “My music is my sanctuary, and it is here for anyone who needs a refuge from the chaos of modern life, and who could do with a little more meaningful escapism.”

In 2024 Rowan released his ‘Fable EP’ – a 5-song journey through love, companionship, survival and adventure. The lead single ‘Black Hole’ was released on the same day, along with an accompanying cinematic music video directed by the artist. The EP was written, performed and self-produced by Rowan, with mastering by Mike Zietsman of Phfat Mastering. Black Hole was featured on BBC Introducing on the 25th of April, and also received radio play on several major South African radio stations, including East Coast Radio, Smile FM and OFM. The latest single from the EP, entitled ‘Find A Way’, was released alongside a music video set in a post-apocalyptic world, as well as a lyric video, filmed in Paignton. Find A Way was also featured on BBC Introducing, and was added to A-rotation play listing on BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

His live show includes himself on vocals, electric and acoustic guitars and loop station, and Exeter-based Mattie James on bass guitar. For Rowan, each song is a window into its own private world, and he invites his audiences to join him on a journey, moving between genres, themes and lyrical imagery, though the concept of hope always shines through as a central theme in his music.

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“Rowan Stuart is one of the finest young performers we’ve had come through the doors at Alma and he has steadily built up a loyal and strong fanbase across the peninsula over two years of touring down from his hometown of Durban. His songwriting is sublime, his voice exquisite and guitar playing a masterclass in understated and virtuosic elegance. Seriously folks, this guy has got “it” and I strongly urge you to come and support one of the country’s leading talents.” Richard and Retha Tait, The Alma Cafe, Cape Town

“If I told you that James Taylor, Eric Clapton or BB king was playing at the Pumpkin Theatre in Ballito this week, you would probably be booking tickets right now. . . And although none of these legends is playing at the Pumpkin this week, if you want to feel the magic that made them special, you should book now. If you think that I am exaggerating when I tell you that Rowan Stuart is as good as the legends I’ve described, you’d be wrong. There are good guitarists in the country and there are some super singers. There are even a few good songwriters, but for my money, Rowan Stuart is in a class of his own.” Dave Charles, editor at Life & Style / radio presenter at 88FM Radio Life & Style