South African rock giants Prime Circle have unveiled their brand-new single “Calling on Angels”. The release is timed with Recovery Month, a global period dedicated to resilience and second chances—a theme deeply rooted in the song’s message.
Frontman Gavin Edwards describes “Calling on Angels” as a reflection on hardship, renewal, and the people who stand by us in our darkest seasons. “I’ve learned that failure isn’t the end – it’s the roadmap to who you’re meant to become,” Edwards shares. “This song is for anyone who’s ever felt broken but kept fighting.”
Addiction in South Africa: A Sobering Reality
The urgency of the song’s message is underscored by the SANCA 2023-2024 Statistical Report of Treatment Statistics, prepared by Prof. Wim Roestenburg (Afri.Yze Consult). According to the report:
- Just over 10,000 South Africans entered treatment in 2024—a fraction of those in need.
- Six men receive treatment for every woman, showing that addiction remains largely gender-specific.
- Alarmingly, 16-year-olds now make up the largest age group in care, while children as young as 8 have required treatment.
- More than 40% of patients were unemployed for over six months, underscoring addiction’s impact on South Africa’s most vulnerable.
Edwards, who recently celebrated ten years of sobriety in August 2025, channels his own journey into the song. His bandmate, drummer Dale Schnettler, marked his first full year sober – an achievement he admits few thought possible.
“One of the most important things I’ve learned in my journey with sobriety is the power of speaking out,” Edwards explains. “When you verbalise your struggles, your mind accepts the reality you’re in, and your loved ones see it too. That honesty is the turning point. For me, standing up and saying, ‘I am an alcoholic, I need help,’ was the first real step to change.”
To honour their shared transformation, both musicians got angel wings tattoos – a permanent reminder of the lives they’ve fought to reclaim. For Edwards and Schnettler, the ink is more than just body art: it’s a declaration of survival, a visible testament to choosing hope every day.
Music Video and Legacy
The music video for “Calling on Angels,” filmed against striking natural landscapes, mirrors the journey of awakening and redemption. The track captures Prime Circle’s trademark rock energy while pushing into new territory, balancing the band’s nearly 25-year legacy with a renewed sense of honesty and purpose.
By aligning the release with Recovery Month, observed in many countries, Prime Circle hopes to spark broader conversations around mental health and addiction recovery. Their message is both deeply personal and universally relevant – reminding fans that even brokenness can be the start of transformation.
Where to Listen to Prime Circle’s “Calling All Angels”
“Calling on Angels” is available now on all major streaming platforms as track six on Prime Circle’s album The World We Know. The official music video premieres on Friday, 12 September 2025, on the band’s YouTube channel.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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