Kutlwano Yika's music electrifies Joburg's streets and traffic lights

It is said that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade - an adage Kutlwano Yika took literally.

The young vocalist and performer, who was born in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, says his love for music goes all the way back to his childhood. From as early as creche, Kutlwano was already performing, including his memorable attempts at the national anthem. 

By Grade 3, he was singing covers of popular artists such as Akon and even making money by entertaining his schoolmates. He also gained popularity as the Michael Jackson of his primary school. Kutlwano always dreamt of becoming a performer, but his journey has not been without its challenges. When he approached malls and shopping centres around Johannesburg in an attempt to secure performance opportunities, they all slammed their doors in his face.

Rather than allowing the rejection to stop him, Kutlwano found another stage - Johannesburg’s streets and traffic lights.

The traffic lights became his platform to share his music with everyone, from pedestians just walking the streets to those sitting in cars in some of the city’s busiest intersections.

One of the things Kutlwano loves about Johannesburg is the endless opportunities the city presents.

“I love being free to approach life the way I want, knowing that some of the biggest artists in the country were developed here,” he says.

And his decision to take his music to the streets has already opened doors.

One of his proudest moments came when South African singer Zonke Dikana spotted him performing and was so impressed that she contacted her manager, who subsequently reached out to Kutlwano. He was even offered an opportunity to work as her backing vocalist.

While it was an incredible opportunity, Kutlwano ultimately decided not to take it because he wanted to focus on building his own name and pursuing his own artistic journey.

When it comes to choosing his performance spots around Johannesburg, Kutlwano says there is an element of spontaneity, but experience has taught him to be strategic.

“The original idea was to be spontaneous, but from my experience we had to play it safe. We play where the robots [traffic lights] work firstly,” he says with a laugh, acknowledging the city’s notorious traffic-light troubles.

“And secondly, where the roads are notoriously known for having traffic. That way we know that people will be around to hear the music.”

Kutlwano is also hoping to challenge some of the misconceptions surrounding people who perform at traffic lights and on the streets.

He says society can sometimes assume that street performers are homeless, simply trying to escape poverty or abusing substances.

“There is often much more to the person and their story than what you see at the traffic light,” he says.

He believes that members of the public can play an important role in helping artists and performers realise their potential.

“Their positive input could have a huge impact on the arts. There’s always someone who’s willing to change someone’s life, even though most people might have ignored them.”

His street performances have also led to opportunities on bigger stages. Kutlwano has performed at The Luxurious Marble Circus and outdoor performances for the SAMAs, while his active self-promotion has helped corporate companies discover his talent and book him for gigs.

But he has his sights set far beyond Johannesburg.

Kutlwano has launched a crowdfunding campaign, “Travel the World With Me”, through BackaBuddy, with the aim of taking his music beyond South Africa, with Australia as his first international destination.

Ultimately, he wants to release an EP and establish a global footprint.

“I’ve only scratched the surface. Music is about reflecting society’s ills and positives, and it can also be a good tool to change the mindset of a generation,” he says.

“For me, having more of a worldwide music footprint is always going to be the first priority. Awards are all great things for any artist, so a Grammy wouldn’t be a dream that is too far to reach.”

So, the next time you find yourself stopped at a traffic light in Johannesburg and hear an incredible voice somewhere in the horizon, take a moment to look up. You might just find Kutlwano doing what he does best - turning Joburg’s streets into his stage and showing the city exactly what its homegrown talent is made of.