Zuko SA brings ‘He Who Sent Me’ tour to Guild Theatre

Award-winning Afro-soul musician Zuko Kupiso, better known as Zuko SA, is set to take to the stage at the Guild Theatre on Saturday as part of his “He Who Sent Me” tour, bringing an intimate live experience to local audiences.

Originally from Ngcingwana village near Dutywa and now based in Johannesburg, Zuko SA has built a name for himself through music that draws deeply from everyday life, spirituality and identity.

Speaking ahead of the show, he described his journey as being rooted in honesty and connection.

His upcoming performance follows the release of his two albums, Umkhonto and Ondithumileyo, which have been well-received by fans.

Zuko SA said taking the music to the stage was a natural next step.

“Following the release of my two albums, I felt it was important to bring the music into a live setting,” he said.

“The tour is a continuation of the journey those projects started, connecting with people in a more personal and direct way.”

He said the idea for the tour was sparked by the strong emotional response from listeners.

“The overwhelming response from listeners and from events showed that people didn’t just listen to the music, they felt it,” he said.

“That emotional connection made it clear that a live experience was needed.”

An Eastern Cape reggae artist who once turned down an international record deal to focus on his studies has now signed with a New York-based label — nearly a decade after first being discovered. Furah Dread, whose real name is Fundile Guqa, has secured a two-year contract with Jamaica International Records, marking a breakthrough moment in a journey built largely on independent releases and persistence. The 34-year-old singer and songwriter, originally from Mbizana and now based in Mthatha, was previously featured in the Dispatch in 2019. He is also an aspiring filmmaker. Guqa said his relationship with the label dated back to 2017, following the release of his single Smoking. “I started promoting the song internationally, communicating with radio stations online. “Some told me they had already found the song themselves and were playing it,” he said. He said Jamaica International Radio began playing the track regularly, which led to interest from label owner Robert Strawder. “The owner of the station, who also owns the label, wanted to know if I was signed. “They wanted to offer me a contract,” he said. I felt being a student would take up most of my time and complicate things if I recorded music and studied at the same time Guqa was initially offered a five-year deal but declined after receiving a bursary from the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council to study film at Afda in Durban in 2019. “I felt being a student would take up most of my time and complicate things if I recorded music and studied at the same time,” he said. Despite turning down the deal, he continued releasing music independently. His track, I Was a Prisoner, tells the story of a man wrongfully accused of sexual assault. “It is about the abuse of men for a change. “There are many languishing in prison accused of things they did not do,” he said. He followed up with People Must Stop in 2020, which speaks against violence, and later released Heart Is Smart, which became his biggest international hit. The song topped charts on radio stations in countries including the US, Portugal, England and Honduras. Guqa paused his music career during the Covid-19 lockdown while completing his film studies, before returning in 2024 with Let Us Be One, a song promoting unity and ethical leadership. He said he had remained in contact with the label over the years. “Though I had cancelled the first contract, I promised to let him know when I was ready. “When he asked again recently, I told him I was now ready,” he said. The contract was signed on March 11. Under the agreement, Guqa will record six songs a year over two years, while retaining creative control. “The deal allows me to record in my own way, in my preferred studio in South Africa, with the company funding everything,” he said. He said ownership of his music would rfevert to him after the contract ended. “After the contract expires, all the music rights revert back to me, meaning I will own everything I have created,” he said. Guqa said he hoped to follow in the footsteps of late reggae icon Lucky Dube. He said his musical journey began with kwaito before he discovered reggae through music played in a shop in Mbizana, where he was introduced to artists such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Despite international recognition, he said his music was often misclassified. “Often stations say my music is unique, but they classify it as pop or hip hop. “My music is a mix of many things, but I would like to see reggae get more recognition in this country and globally.” Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone Daily Dispatch

Zuko SA said audiences attending the two shows could expect a carefully curated performance, with about 15 songs on the set list.

Each track has been selected to create a flowing narrative from start to finish.

“The set will include about 15 songs, carefully selected to tell a story from beginning to end,” he said.

The show is expected to run for about two hours, offering a full live music experience that blends sound, storytelling and atmosphere.

Zuko SA said his music cut across different audiences, appealing to anyone drawn to authenticity.

“The music is for anyone who connects with truth, emotion and storytelling.

“It speaks across different age groups and backgrounds,” he said.

While his sound is rooted in Afro-soul, it also carries influences from Afro-pop and contemporary African music, creating a style that is both familiar and fresh.

“This show is more intentional and immersive,” Zuko SA said.

“It goes beyond performance; it’s about creating a shared emotional and spiritual experience with the audience.

“They can expect a powerful, honest performance, moments of vulnerability, strong musicality, and a deep connection between artist and audience.”

Due to high demand, organisers have added a second show on Saturday.

The additional performance will run from 1pm to 5pm, while the main show will begin at 6pm and continue into the evening.

Tickets are available at Webtickets and StuHub for R350 and will not be sold at the venue.

Zuko SA said his hope was that audiences left the venue feeling seen and uplifted.

“I hope [they leave] feeling moved, inspired and understood, like the music spoke directly to their personal journey.”

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