Fuad Williams, an aspiring model, singer and actor has made it as a top-10 finalist in the Mr SA pageant.
Williams, who is a dental surgeon by profession, says having spent most of his childhood travelling with his musician father inspired him to be a performer.
“I spent most of my childhood travelling with my father and his 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.”
The father of one, who is one of four finalists from the Western Cape, says he began his career as a dentist in 2008. However, he never felt quite fulfilled.
“I never felt entirely 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 almost a year and the injury prevented me from doing many things I enjoyed, such as boxing and playing cricket. It was during this time that I reflected on myself and my life.
“After going through this near-death experience, I realised that I wanted to live and enjoy life by doing what I love. And so, I carefully began planning on how I could start to pursue music and modelling again.”
Following his passion, Williams says he has been working on his debut single that was inspired by his two-year-old son.
“My debut single, which will be released later this year, was written in June.
“It’s a chilled, R’n B summer pop song that was inspired by my two-year-old son.
“The inspiration came from how he always brings a smile to my face every morning when I wake up, and how no matter the circumstances, I relish the times we spend together.
“I wanted to share that feeling and how important it is to have at least one being that makes you feel this way.
“Whether it’s your child, partner, friend, husband, wife or your pet. If they bring that kind of joy into your life, this song shows your appreciation for them.”
His musical influences include his father, who was a well-known singer in Cape Town, and the music his band played.
“They serenaded the crowds with the likes of Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones and Elvis Presley – inspired songs.
“So, I really enjoy great sing-along ballads and music that makes you feel comforted and relaxed. I also use my singing as a way to provide feel-good entertainment to the underprivileged at charity events.
“I do this freely as it’s one of my ways of giving back and raising awareness to issues in the community.”
Williams hopes to raise awareness for subjects close to his heart such as poverty, hunger, gender-based violence and abuse.
“I’ve also used my singing to help raise funds for Hannah’s Place of Safety and to celebrate the female healthcare workers at Groote Schuur hospital for Women’s Month.
“I intend on continuing to do this for as long as I’m able to and along with the Mr SA platform, raise awareness for homes for children, abused and neglected animals; hunger and poverty; gender-based violence and the elderly.
“These are the causes which are close to my heart and the main focus of my humanitarian efforts.”
The Mr SA finale is expected to take place at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg on Saturday 10 December.
