Kutlwano Yika: How a Traffic Light Performance Changed My Life

Kutlwano Yika went viral for singing at the traffic lights in Johannesburg — but his story runs much deeper than a viral moment.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the raw beginnings of his busking journey, the passion that drives him to perform for strangers, and why he believes going viral isn’t the dream everyone thinks it is. Kutlwano opens up about writing music from a place of truth, handling criticism, staying authentic in a world chasing clout, and why performing at the robots brings him more joy than most gigs ever could.

We also unpack:

•What busking really is

•Why passion should come before profit

•The downside of overnight fame

•How to market yourself on social media

•Why instant gratification is ruining creativity

•The struggle many artists face after shows like Idols

•And why showing up on camera is crucial in 2025

This is a conversation about doing what you love, no matter who’s watching — or how many are.