“Maybe I’m Crazy”: A Woman Travels From the US to Nongoma To Watch Her Friend Performing Live
- An American content creator flew from Los Angeles to rural KwaZulu-Natal to support her friend
- The woman endured a gruelling journey, including a last-minute flight booking and a five-hour drive from Durban to reach her destination
- South Africans were amazed by her commitment to friendship and her genuine love for local culture
Source: TikTok
An American woman has left South Africans in awe after flying thousands of miles from Los Angeles to the small town of Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal just to watch her friend perform at a local festival.
Content creator @ariellyndsey, who describes herself as someone who loves to travel and explore, shared the incredible journey in early May with the caption:
"Maybe I'm crazy, but we do it for the squad🤸♀️😤"
In the video, the enthusiastic traveller explained her spontaneous decision:
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
"Guys, am I crazy for flying all the way from Los Angeles, California, to Nongoma, South Africa? My homie was performing at a show... I was not going to miss it."
She revealed that she booked her flight at 1:00 PM for a 4:30 AM departure, showing just how determined she was to support her friend.
The journey to Nongoma proved challenging, as the town is located about four to five hours' drive from Durban. Since it was too late to take public transport, she paid a man she met at the airport to drive her the entire way. Once she arrived, her friends had already started sorting out her accommodation at a local B&B, and after a quick outfit change and freshen-up, she was ready for the festival.
The event turned out to be a maskandi music festival, featuring traditional Zulu music that kept the crowd dancing all night long. However, it was her friend's gqom performance that truly caught her attention.
According to Wikipedia, gqom is an African electronic dance music genre that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, characterised by minimal, raw and repetitive sound with heavy bass. The word "gqom" derives from click consonants in the Zulu language, resembling the sound of a drum.
The American visitor explained how she first discovered gqom music during a previous visit to Nongoma, saying:
"The first time I ever even heard of this genre was literally in Nongoma last year, and I was like, what is this, I'm obsessed."
Her friend Magoqa performed his gqom track, and she joined him on stage to show her support, dancing alongside the energetic crowd.
Source: TikTok
True friendship wins hearts
After the performance, the group celebrated with chicken and chips before she took a taxi back to Durban, completing her whirlwind trip to support her friend's musical career.
@Ntobeko Nontsikelelo praised her dedication:
"You and George are the only Americans who truly know and have embraced South Africa."
@Wesley shared his own experience:
"I have been there too with some of my friends, and my word, what an experience. The African culture is so rich."
@Sebastian Blake expressed his admiration:
"Dude, I love watching your TikToks about your life in SA!!!"
@K-mo Maponyane was impressed by her local knowledge:
"Damn, you are legit South African. You took a taxi 🔥🔥🔥 Hectic 😅"
@Zababes Nothando revealed:
"I was literally inside the brown resident building watching through the window🥰🥰🥰 Oh my goodness."
@MtakaMkhulu offered future hospitality:
"Next time when you pass by Ulundi, give me a shout. We will offer a B&B service (as our treat)... Thank you for supporting a brother🤝"
Watch the TikTok clip below:
Other American-related stories
- Briefly News recently reported on an American soldier who joined a popular South African dance challenge, but his surprising military background had viewers questioning everything they thought they knew about cultural exchange.
- A former radio presenter's secret mission to the United States involved meeting with the South African Embassy, though the real reason behind his visit shocked many when it was finally revealed.
- An American tourist's excitement about his R13,000 Cape Town apartment had locals divided, but the unexpected reason for South Africans' anger wasn't what anyone expected.
Source: Briefly News
