AVID trumpet player Wessel Williams from Rosedale, Uitenhage hopes to inspire young people to stay away from all the adversity in the area and instead, focus their energy on their talents.
As soon as Williams set his eyes on his uncle Jimmy Williams’ trumpet he knew he wanted to follow in his footsteps and be a good trumpeter.
At the age of four, Williams joined the Boys’ Brigade at Roselane United Congregational Church where his passion for music was cultivated.
During his time in the Boys’ Brigade’s Marching Band he learnt how to play the trombone, drums and trumpet.
“The Boys’ Brigade set a good foundation for me because it taught me how to be a man and it provided me with the necessary discipline that I needed. With the knowledge I learnt while I was in the Boys’ Brigade, I used to teach others in my community,” he said.
Williams who works full time as a crane operator at Transnet said, he does not have a diploma or degree in music, but he has continuously worked on developing himself.
“I never studied music, but I have watched many videos on YouTube, and I have read many books on how to improve my skills as a trumpet player.
“I have always loved a good challenge and I am always willing to learn new things and strive to master new skills,” said Williams.
Despite having the desire to work in the music industry when he was younger, Williams said he soon realized that working as a full-time trumpeter was not a stable job and he instead opted to go into the engineering and transportation industry.
Williams said he recently started a group with two of his friends, Shirl-kirwan De Boer who plays the trombone and Wistonio Lawack who also plays the trumpet.
Since the group started they have been playing at social events during their free time.
“I might not be the best trumpet player, but if I remain true to myself, the energy or feeling that I carry over might be able to inspire someone.”
In a bid to decrease gangsterism in the area, Williams hopes to start an arts and music school in Uitenhage.
“All that children see is people sitting on the corners of streets asking for money. The children think that is the norm. Young people are becoming despondent because they do not have role models.”
According to him, there also are no after school programmes to keep the children busy and away from negativity in the area.
Williams said multiple primary and high schools in the area have approached him to give music lessons to pupils, which he believes highlights the need for an arts and music facility.
“I would like to create a studio that caters for rappers, painters, dancers, singers and graffiti artists to show young people that there is a room for their talent.
“The leaders of Uitenhage need to realise that they must invest in the young people of the area which will eventually result in a better Uitenhage.”
