Practice makes perfect for SAGT’s Rayz

Will Rayz, real name Wilson Kubheka, is not your typical rock star. He is shy, timid and sentimental, and it shines through in his music.

He is not the best guitar player or singer in the country, but his sincerity and earnest passion for the art make him a great performer. A finalist in SA’s Got Talent, Kubheka has come a long way from humble beginnings.

He always had a soft spot for music, but never believed he had what it took to become a musician. Singing in front of strangers was a terrifying thought and he would often get so nervous, he forgot the words.

He played in his church band, growing in both his faith and talent, when, in 2013, he decided to quit his job as a projects planner and pursue music full-time.

He says, “It took me a while to get into gigging. For a long time I played in the church band because it was the only place I felt comfortable. I was shy, but I knew people weren’t judging me. I made mistakes and learnt how to interact with an audience.”

After attending a seminar about business strategy, Kubheka was encouraged to draw up a 60-day plan and through that, his music journey began. Making the big move hasn’t been easy, though.

Financially, it’s been frustrating. Sometimes he regrets leaving his job and the stable source of income but, spiritually and emotionally, he feels he is on the right path.

“I’m doing what God has called me to do,” he says.

With more practice, his confidence has grown, but it is his humility that makes him positively stand out from the crowd. With full support from both his church congregation and his mother, the 28-year-old is on the road to success.