South African musician “The Kiffness” has raised over R600,000 to support eight-year-old Rylyn Clark, who went viral for singing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” and is now battling Lyme Disease, highlighting the power of music and community in times of need.
South Africa (08 July 2024) – South African music sensation The Kiffness has once again used his platform for an incredible cause, raising over R600,000 to support an eight-year-old battling Lyme Disease.
David Scott, better known as The Kiffness, is one of South Africa’s most followed YouTubers. Known for his unique musical talent and viral remixes, Scott has garnered a massive following online. Despite his sometimes controversial presence on social media (especially on Twitter), where his bold opinions often spark heated debates, Scott is also celebrated for his immense generosity and compassionate heart. Over the years, he has donated hundreds of thousands of rands to various charitable causes locally and globally, all while creating music that resonates with millions.
Rylyn Clark’s musical skills also resonated with millions. He first captured the hearts of many when he went viral at the tender age of four, singing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” during the height of the pandemic. His adorable rendition and heartfelt message that “every little thing is gonna be alright” provided much-needed comfort and hope in a time of global uncertainty.
Scott was so moved by Rylyn’s performance that he sampled the young star’s singing in one of his signature remixes in 2020.
Fast-forward four years, and Rylyn’s life has taken a challenging turn. Now eight years old, he has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and has been courageously fighting the illness for nearly two years.
In light of Rylyn’s health struggles, Scott recently reshared the song with a heartfelt plea for support.
“The song is making the rounds again at another time of great political uncertainty and serves as a gentle reminder that everything is going to be alright no matter what happens in the world,” Scott explained.
“That being said, he (Rylyn) hasn’t made a cent from his (original) video.”
Scott launched a GoFundMe campaign four days ago to help cover Rylyn’s medical expenses, hoping to provide some relief to the young boy and his mother, Maureen, who adopted Rylyn at birth and has been his full-time caregiver. The response was overwhelming. In just 24 hours, the campaign raised $20,000 (over R300,000), and as of July 8th, the total has reached an astounding $35,124 (R635,954).
“On behalf of Rylyn and his mom Maureen, I would like to thank each and every person who has contributed towards Rylyn’s fight against Lyme disease,” Scott shared.
“The amount we have raised so far has far exceeded all of our wildest expectations, and it is a great example of the power of social media to make meaningful change in people’s lives.”
Maureen, overwhelmed by the generosity, has expressed her deep gratitude for the support. With Rylyn’s immune system severely compromised and his current treatments proving ineffective, the funds raised offer a glimmer of hope.
“Only time will tell which treatment will work, but the doctors are doing their best to get him better. That being said, there is newfound hope and the support you are all providing could not have come at a better time,” Scott added.
In addition to the donations, Scott hopes that the song, now released on Spotify and other streaming platforms, will continue to generate passive income for Rylyn. With over 10 million streams on Facebook and 220,000 views on YouTube, the song’s reach is vast, and its impact is profound.
This story is a beautiful reminder of the goodness that exists in the world. Through the power of music and community, The Kiffness and countless generous donors have come together to support a young child in need. As Rylyn continues his brave battle against Lyme Disease, the message remains clear: everything is going to be alright.
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