After a photo of a local Johannesburg busker was shared on the Facebook group, ‘I Love Fourways’, Martin Bester invited the young man into the Jacaranda FM studio to talk about his performances and being a busker in South Africa.
Kutlwano Yika (24) stands on Cedar Road where he busks and performs songs, usually from older artists like The Beatles and The Bee Gees.
During the shows’ regular Friday Live performance, Martin Bester invited Kutlwano to join the team for a special Friday Live performance of Cindy Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’.
The reaction from listeners has been incredible, listen to Kutlwano’s performance and first time on Radio here.
“I wanted to give this deserving young voice a platform to showcase his undeniable talent” said Martin Bester, Jacaranda FM host.
Martin also surprised Kutlwano by inviting renowned musician Jeremy Loops to join Friday Live, where he met with Kutlwano for some words of encouragement – one busker to another. Jeremy Loops is knows as South Africa’s one-man-folk-band and share some wonderful words of wisdom with Kutlwano.
“As a radio presenter and musician myself, I think it’s very important to connect talent with professionals who have been where they are now, have real-world advice to impart, and also demonstrate belief in young talent by showing up for the next generation,” adds Bester.
Kutlwano discovered his passion for music by searching on YouTube during Covid-19 lockdown, and discovering an inspirational busker from Ireland, 16 year-old Allie Sherlock. After being inspired and seeing a way to make music himself through busking, the rest is history. Kutlwano is from Kathlehong and was raised by his Gogo and family.
“We are asking our Jacaranda FM family to show support for this young man by liking his Facebook page and supporting his initiatives around Johannesburg,” adds Bester.
Follow Kutlwano here, please download his music to show support, and consider him for corporate and social gigs.
