Singer Raises $40K With Emo Covers for Grandpa's Surgery

Beavan Zulu faced an impossible choice when his grandfather in Zambia needed life-saving heart surgery that wasn't available in the country. The treatment existed in India, over 4,000 miles away, but his family had already exhausted their savings on previous medical care.

Instead of simply sharing a GoFundMe link, the Los Angeles-based singer leaned into something wildly creative. He grabbed some eyeliner, styled makeshift sideswept bangs, and recorded an emo cover of a pop song.

The inspiration came from high school, where Zulu once entertained classmates with an emo version of "Let It Go" from Frozen. He figured the same approach might work for something far more important than school talent shows.

"I took a leap of faith and posted the first video not thinking anything crazy would come from it," Zulu told Upworthy. That leap paid off in ways he never imagined.

Millions of people connected with Zulu's whiny vocals, dramatic commitment, and eyeliner energy. Within four days, he hit his entire $40,000 goal after posting just three songs, including "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan.

The money covered not only his grandfather Mr. Rebby Malekani Chanda's surgery and travel to India, but also tickets for Zulu and his family to be there during recovery. As a thank you, he sang one bonus track: "Fireflies" by Owl City.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just the clever fundraising tactic. It's watching someone transform fear and helplessness into joy and creativity during one of the hardest moments of his life.

Zulu could have approached his crisis with desperate pleas or heavy-handed guilt. Instead, he chose laughter, music, and genuine vulnerability, trusting that strangers might care about an elderly man they'd never meet if the ask came wrapped in fingerless gloves and perfectly timed angst.

"My biggest takeaway is that with good faith, fun, and trust in yourself and your community, anything is possible," Zulu shared. He discovered that even in our chronically online world, people still show up for sincerity, especially when it comes with a side of nostalgic Disney songs sung like your heart is breaking.

The internet can be a scary place, but Zulu proved it can also connect us to a global community ready to rally when we need it most.