JFH News: TREE63 Returns with New Song, "How Much Longer?"

TREE63 Returns with New Song, "How Much Longer?"

NEWS SOURCE: Keela Communications
November 21, 2025

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (21 November, 2025) – Acclaimed South African rock band TREE63 is back with "How Much Longer?"—their first new single in a decade. Out now and produced by John Ellis and Dave Langemann.

Following a successful year of touring their classic hits, the release confirms months of promising studio work. "How Much Longer?" serves as the first preview of a full new album expected in early 2026, selected from roughly 30 songs written for the project. Langemann has lent his expertise as a producer, mixer, and engineer to artists like Freshly Ground, Msaki, and the late legend Johnny Clegg.

“This single was inspired by those people who can envision a future more kind, just, and tolerant than the present, and who pray and labour tirelessly to see it come about,” says frontman John Ellis. “Throughout the Psalms we hear the persistent human cry: ‘How long, Lord?’”

Ellis explains that the song’s tone is intentional—it is urgent and uplifting, not heavy or sorrowful like a traditional lament. “People of faith aren’t passive,” he says. “They can actively bring about the Kingdom of God, and with that knowledge comes excitement. I wanted the song to capture that energy. Those longing for a better world are motivated by hope, not paralysed by sadness—they aren’t waiting for politicians or public figures to make change happen.”

This realisation energises the band, and the song carries that fire. The central theme is resilient hope. “I want people to feel hope again, to actually believe the world can change,” Ellis adds. “Because so many others want the same thing—and you are not the only one who wants to see love win.”

"How Much Longer?" returns to the core DNA of TREE63’s music: hope in God, hope in each other. Formed in Durban in 1997, TREE63 rose from South African chart success with hits like “Treasure” and “A Million Lights” to international acclaim. After signing to US label InPop Records, the band delivered multiple US #1 radio hits, won a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year, and their version of “Blessed Be Your Name” became Billboard’s #1 Christian radio song of 2004.

TREE63 also joins South African rock legends Prime Circle as a featured act on their massive 25th Anniversary Tour this December across South Africa. "How Much Longer?" is available on all major digital streaming platforms now: https://vmgafrica.lnk.to/HowMuchLongerAr

TREE63 lineup: John Ellis – Vocals & Guitar, Angus Warden – Drums, Deon Knipe – Bass.

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For more info on TREE63, visit the JFH Artists Database.