After a near-death experience, Fuad Williams, a qualified dentist from Edgemead, decided to change his career and life path to follow his passion: music and modelling.
Now an entrant in the Mr South Africa competition, Williams says, after going through this near-death experience, he realised he wanted to live and enjoy his life by doing what he loves.
“And so I started pursuing music and modelling again,” says Williams.
The Mr South Africa hopeful grew up in Heathfield and started his schooling at Square Hill Primary in Retreat. He later matriculated from Bergvliet High in 2002.
Williams says most of his childhood was spent travelling with his father and their band to perform at various events.
“Seeing the crowds applauding and being entertained ignited a passion in me for performing. So as a teenager, I gradually began to pursue singing and during that period I was also scouted for modelling. I modelled for a fashion brand at a popular club in Cape Town and that was my first modelling experience.”
The aspiring model, singer and actor says he began his career as a dentist in 2008, however, he never felt fulfilled.
“In 2013, I was involved in a car accident which caused my working wrist to get fractured. I was unable to practise dentistry for months and the injury prevented me from doing many things I enjoyed, such as exercising and playing cricket. It was during this time that I reflected on myself and my life. Dentistry was my day job, but not my passion.”
He joined a vocal training school and this was where he was encouraged by his singing coach to also enter The Voice South Africa season 2.
“I ended up receiving a call back after my audition. While managing my day job, I tried to promote myself and gain more exposure by singing at shopping centres, karaoke venues and functions.”
One of his career highlights includes winning the Top Model South Africa Men’s Open 2022 title as well as being selected to represent South Africa at the International Modelling and Talent Association convention (Imta) in New York this year.
“The International Arts Talent Showcase (Iats) is a talent convention held in Krugersdorp every year where singers, dancers, actors and models have the opportunity to be selected to perform at the Imta in New York.
“The International Model and Talent Association is the largest modelling and talent convention in the world and has been in operation since 1987. Notable past contestants are Katie Holmes, Ashton Kutcher, Eva Longoria, Elijah Wood, Aaron Paul and Jessica White, who all started at Imta,” says Williams.
He auditioned for Iats in Cape Town in May 2021.
“I will be representing South Africa in July this year at Imta New York as a singer, model and actor. I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity of a lifetime.”
The father of one says Mr South Africa is much more than a pageantry.
“It is an opportunity that gives ordinary South African men the platform to do extraordinary things for our nation.”
Williams says his goal is to raise awareness for issues that are important to him.
“My mantra is that when you give back, you receive so much more in return. As a potential Mr South Africa, I would encourage and help uplift other South African men to stand up for the rights of others. I would use my platform, skills, talents and resources to raise awareness and volunteer for issues which need more exposure.”
Causes dear to his heart include Operation Smile (a non-profit, medical service organisation that provides free cleft lip and cleft palate reconstructive surgery); homes and organisations for children of abuse, neglect and abandonment; the South African Cystic Fibrosis Association; NGOs for gender-based violence; LGBT organisations; and community-based feeding schemes.
“I want the good men of South Africa to be acknowledged and empowered. I would use my title to encourage and motivate men to take a stand for the rights of others; and to shed light on initiatives that educate the male youth on being good members of society. When good men stand together, it sends a formidable message of hope to society.”
The Mr South Africa contestant says his greatest achievement has been becoming a father.
“I feel that my greatest achievement is my 18-month- old son. Nothing motivates me more to be a better man and human than him. Whatever I do in life, I think of him and how it will affect him. Being a father is my greatest honour.”
To vote for Williams, SMS MRSA3 to 40439 or download Zapper and scan the barcode. To follow his journey on Instagram, go to @fwilliams_official or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FWilliamsOfficial
