Many people lack the courage to chase their dreams. For most, whether male or female, the path is familiar: finish school, get married, and start a family. Few truly experience life and pursue what makes them happy, as security often takes precedence.

In a world where job applications are sent day and night, 28-year-old Popi Sibiya took a bold step by quitting her job in 2020, and she has been traveling the world ever since.

“In 2020, I quit my job to travel the world. In 2023, I completed my mission of travelling from South Africa to Ghana by road.” ~ Popi Sibiya

Popi has been documenting and studying different cultures and tribes across the globe. Her journey began with a goal to travel across Africa by road, gaining popularity after traveling from South Africa to Ghana by bus.

The journey took her four months, passing through ten countries including Benin, Togo, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon. She was in Gabon during a coup, experiencing an internet shutdown for four days, along with the closure of shops, restaurants, and borders.

Unlike the curated travel content often seen on Instagram and Pinterest, Popi’s travels are distinct. She stays with locals, living and experiencing their day-to-day life.

By subscribing to The Popi Show, her followers—known as “popsicles”—get access to real-time, authentic content. Popi primarily travels by bus and explores off-the-beaten-path locations that rarely make it onto the internet.

Popi’s travel story began when she bought her car and started exploring South Africa. An electrical engineering graduate who once taught English at a kindergarten in China, Popi was inspired by the sight of Europeans and Americans visiting Africa on expensive safaris. She set out to prove that one can explore Africa on a budget.

This year, Popi has ventured to China and is currently on Season 3 of her journey titled, “Latin America Bundu Bash.” Her latest videos capture her four-day journey from São Paulo, Brazil, and her exploration of the Amazon Rainforest with the Kayapo and Yanomami people.

The Popi Show is a raw and authentic travel series that deserves to be on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or DSTV. It’s unfortunate that no one has stepped up to document her adventures or sponsor her travels. Popi isn’t just a traveler; she’s an educator, uncovering the world and sharing the diverse traditions, cuisines, and landscapes with her followers.