While most young musicians do not miss a chance to boast about flashy cars, girls and “stacking up the cash”, a young Eastern Cape songwriter and reggae artist is all about spreading love, respect and peace through his music.
Mbizana-born Fundile Guqa, who goes by the name of Furah Dread, has already released two singles which can be found on YouTube and iTunes.
He believes music should carry a positive message that can help heal people.
“Music is about fun, but should also be educational,” he said.
“I am targeting young people, although the message will also probably resonate with older people.
“Young people are going through so much. Some find themselves on the wrong side of the law. But if we learn to respect and love one another, there would be peace.”
He believed in people telling the truth at all times.
“Because we lack that element of respect nowadays, it becomes easier to see someone’s phone and want it for yourself.
“It all boils down to a lack of respect for another person.”
A qualified sound engineer, Guqa completed his national diploma at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in 2015.
He began writing songs as far back as 2002 as an 11-year-old growing up in KwaNdunge village in rural Mbizana.
At that young age, he dreamt of becoming a kwaito star.
That was until he started listening to reggae legends, such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. And from that moment, he was hooked.
“Their music contains a positive message.”
Three years ago, he recorded his first single, Smoking, which warns against smoking cigarettes. He said this was because cigarettes caused cancer.
Guqa said the song had received airplay from local community radio stations.
His second single, I am a Prisoner, was released earlier in 2019.
It tells of how some innocent men have been wrongly accused of abuse by their partners and arrested by the police.
He has written 33 other songs which he intends to record and release as singles, but is not keen on making a full album due to his busy schedule.
He received funding from the Eastern Cape Arts and Culture Council earlier in 2019 to study film production at a film school in Durban.
Guqa said he’d dreamt of becoming an actor and a musician at the same time.
And for other budding musicians who are more preoccupied with singing about bling and how much money they are making, he believes music should be about honing your talent instead of demanding fame and instant financial gratification.
“Don’t chase the spotlight. You must have passion for your craft and make sure you develop it. Then money will start rolling in,” he added.
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