PICTURE this: You’re stopped at a traffic light in Germiston, South Africa. The engine idles. Your mind wanders. Then suddenly – a voice cuts through the noise. Not through speakers, not through a screen, but raw, real, and right there in front of your windshield.
That’s where Kutlwano Kenneth Yika has been building his dream. Not in a studio. Not on a stage with perfect lighting. But on street corners, at intersections, in public spaces across South Africa – one song, one stranger, one moment at a time.
For years, the 27-year-old musician has been South Africa’s best-kept secret, travelling from town to town, pouring his soul into performances that most people only glimpse for 60 seconds before the light turns green. But those 60 seconds? They changed everything.
Now, after videos of his performances have exploded across social media, reaching millions worldwide, Kutlwano isn’t just asking you to watch. He’s asking you to join him.
This Is More Than a Campaign. This Is an Invitation.
Twelve days ago, Kutlwano launched Travel the World With Me – a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign with a bold vision: turn years of grassroots street performances into a global touring journey powered not by record labels or corporate sponsors, but by you.
So far, R15,000 has been raised from 10 donors toward a R150,000 goal. Every rand goes toward fuel, travel costs, and the basics that keep an independent artist moving—literally and creatively.
Because here’s the truth: Kutlwano has been doing this alone for years. Grinding. Traveling. Performing daily across Gauteng and beyond, often misunderstood, sometimes doubted, but never stopping.
“Being a street musician has helped get me the recognition I need,” he says. “It’s helped with my growth—performing at the highest level, knowing how to read the mood, project my voice, connect with strangers in seconds.”
But street performance? It’s not glamorous.
“People don’t expect someone performing at traffic lights,” Kutlwano admits. “I’ve been misunderstood, called an imposter, accused of lip-syncing because of how different my approach is.”
Yet he kept showing up. Day after day. Town after town. Refining his craft in the most unpredictable classroom imaginable: the streets of South Africa.
The Moment the World Caught Up
Then the videos started spreading. His nostalgic, international song choices paired with his unmistakable vocal style struck a chord online that rippled across continents.
“The music is international and nostalgic—that’s a winner on its own,” Kutlwano reflects. “But I think my voice and style of singing is what sold me to the world.”
Suddenly, the man who’d been perfecting his art in parking lots was being discovered by millions on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram. Messages poured in from South Africa, the UAE, the UK, the US.
But Kutlwano isn’t caught up in the hype.
“Being viral helps with people reaching out,” he says carefully, “but it can also be detrimental. New people sometimes expect an overnight success story.”
He knows better. Because this isn’t overnight. This is years in the making.
“I focused on what I was doing before integrating social media—busking every single day all over Gauteng and beyond. That consistency is what shaped me.”
A Community That Believes
The supporters who’ve already contributed to Travel the World With Me aren’t just donors—they’re believers.
“Hope to see you in the UAE! ❤️” wrote Tiffany Govender, donating R2,000.
“Good luck, looking forward to meeting you in person,” wrote Barbara from abroad, contributing US$100.
“Live the dream,” added Wizard LFC, a repeat donor.
These aren’t faceless transactions. They’re invitations returned. People saying: We see you. We believe in you. Let’s go.
And Kutlwano feels it deeply.
“I serve a purpose,” he says. “I entertain, and my supporters love great talent. They get to spend time with me—not just consume content, but connect.“
What Success Really Looks Like
Kutlwano isn’t chasing fame for fame’s sake. He’s rewriting the blueprint.
“People always have certain views of success and progress,” he says. “Taking this decision now feels right—it shows growth for my work and my brand.”
Travel the World With Me is about changing the narrative. Not the “struggling artist” story. Not the “waiting to be discovered” story. But the story of an artist who’s already put in the work, who’s already earned his audience, and who’s now asking that audience to help him take it further.
“It helps change the narrative,” he explains. “Music stars are what they are because of financial support from their fans.”
This is community-powered artistry. This is what happens when talent meets opportunity meets us.
Your Turn to Say Yes
Every contribution—whether it’s R50 or R5,000—puts fuel in the tank. Moves the music from one town to the next. Helps Kutlwano reach new audiences in South Africa and beyond.
It turns years of solo street performances into a shared journey.
If you’ve ever stopped at a traffic light and been moved by a street musician…
If you’ve ever scrolled past a video and thought, “This person deserves more”…
If you’ve ever believed that raw talent, hard work, and heart should be enough…
Then this is your moment.
Kutlwano Kenneth Yika isn’t asking for charity. He’s offering you a seat on the journey. A chance to be part of where the music goes next.
One city. One crowd. One song at a time.
Travel the world with him.
Support Kutlwano’s campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/travel-the-world-with-me
Watch his performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj_bHWLDOiE
Media Contact:
Simbulele Jezile
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 067 688 0585
Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za
