For veteran KuGompo City disc jockey Faried Kops, better known to local music lovers as “Uncle Funk”, music has never been a mere hobby — it has been a defining way of life spanning more than five decades.
Kops, who received his iconic stage moniker from two admirers who felt it matched his vibrant personality and passion for music, is reflecting on a legendary career that has provided the soundtrack to generations of Eastern Cape nightlife.
His journey behind the decks began in 1974 at a venue called Disco Electric Lighthouse, situated at the North End tennis courts and owned by Abu Babes Moola.
“I will never forget the first song I played: I’ll Take You There by The Staple Singers,” Kops said.
“Little did I know at the time that this moment would mark the beginning of a musical journey that would span more than five decades.”
Music was deeply ingrained in his upbringing. His late father, Sunny Kops, was a accomplished musician who sang alongside icons Miriam Makeba and Des Ally in the touring production African Jazz.
“I grew up in a home where music was constantly being played,” he said. “That musical environment undoubtedly influenced me and helped shape my passion.”
Over the years, Kops became a staple across prominent local and regional venues, including Club 99, Club Harmony, The Cobweb Night Club in Zwelitsha, and Swaziland’s Club Yours and Mine.
His talent also took him on the road as a guest DJ to Gqeberha, Kimberley, and Durban.
Among his career highlights was sharing the booth with SA broadcasting legends such as the late Oscar Renzi, Kick Ass Kenny from Radio Metro, and Capital Radio’s Treasure Shabalala and Mishack Maquena.
His residency at Club Harmony, held at the Windsor Bowl Hotel on the beachfront, remains a standout era.
“Crowds of more than 1,000 music lovers would gather,” Kops said. “It was an incredible atmosphere, and those nights created memories that have stayed with me throughout my life.”
Though he stepped back from the turntables at different points in his life to focus on family, the call of the music always brought him back.
After the passing of his first wife, he returned to full-time DJing at venues such as Club Take 5 before eventually stepping away again following his second marriage.
“If music is in your veins, you eventually find your way back to it,” he said.
“Over the years, some of the parents of today’s young people met at the venues where I played. They came out to dance, enjoy the music, meet people — and some even fell in love. Knowing that makes this journey even more special.”
Looking back with immense gratitude, Kops offered a heartfelt thank you to every dancer, venue owner, and music lover who stood before his DJ booth over the last 50 years.
“The venues may have changed. The technology may have changed. The generations may have changed. But the love for good music remains. Thank you, KuGompo, for allowing me to be part of your musical history.”
