Former footballer looks to score musical goals Former footballer looks to score musical goals

Although football brought him national attention, entertainer Alfray says he has been bitten by the musical bug since he was a child.

A gifted striker, Alfray, whose given name is Alberto Fray, has represented Jamaica. He played for Norman Manley Comprehensive High School in the Manning Cup, and Waterhouse and Boys' Town in the National Premier League.

He has long taken off his football boots, exchanging them for the microphone as he actively pursues a career in music.

"As a kid growing up, I never really told my family about me wanting to do music because football was the thing that was happening, and doing great for me at the time. When I was much younger, music wasn't my first priority, but I still used to find myself going to stage shows, etc. I couldn't shake the urge to be involved in music somehow," Alfray said.

Father involved in music

The artiste has roots in Olympic Gardens in St Andrew and West Road, which is next to Admiral Town in Kingston 11. He said that his father, George Fray, was also involved in music.

"He was in a group called Mighty Travellers, and they released an album in 1970 by King Jammys. But he had to stop doing music because of us (children). He knew music would take a lot of time and dedication and resources and he didn't want to leave us with our mom by herself, so he stopped in order to help and be around us as a father. I told him later on when I decided to do music that I was continuing the journey for him. This is my destiny," Alfray told THE STAR.

The 42-year-old, who kick-started his entertainment career in 2006 after being introduced to Jubba White of White Stone Productions and Dubtonic Kru, through a mutual friend, dreams of having his music being played throughout the globe.

"What I hope to achieve in music most of all is to hear people singing my songs, word for word. That would be one of the greatest achievements for me. Whatever comes after that I will appreciate," he said.

"Me doing music like anybody else, I want to win the Grammy and anything else that comes with this career, but for me, the biggest accomplishment will be having the people. Once you have the audience, you will get any other award. Once they love the music, they will push it as far as they can, and then the artiste can achieve any goals in music in terms of awards and accolades. With that said, once I win the people's love, I see myself going as far as I can go in this industry. I am not putting any limits on myself or my career."

Three things to know about Alfray

1. Some of his biggest musical inspirations include Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Jah Cure, Beres Hammond and Richie Spice.

2. He is currently promoting the song, Classic, on the World Class rhythm, produced by Journey Music, and has singles coming out with Aicon Records and Thee Khemist Records.

3. Says he would love to collaborate with Jah Cure, Jr Gong and Bounty Killer.