KYLE MALYON - BY ANY MEANS!
BY ANY MEANS ADVENTURE
By RubySage
7 August 2026
Recently , Sean McBride reached out to me in a rushed and somewhat cripic voice note on his way to band rehearsal. The content being something like this (roughly transcribed) :
“ Hey Ruby. So I’m talking to Kyle Malyon this week (meaning on the show) about him raising funds on a bike for elephants again. Maybe for the blog? Im sending you his number”.
My response: “ Hi Sean, uummm ok…why do I want elephants on my blog though? What bike? Is Kyle a musician? Will he be singing to elephants ? I don’t uderstand”.
SMB, “yea mate…idk (I don’t know) think he plays something…chatting to him on Friday. Ok gotta go. Bye”
My response: “ Hi Sean, uummm ok…why do I want elephants on my blog though? What bike? Is Kyle a musician? Will he be singing to elephants ? I don’t uderstand”.
SMB, “yea mate…idk (I don’t know) think he plays something…chatting to him on Friday. Ok gotta go. Bye”
Honestly? I thought Sean had lost his marbles. However, before jumping to crazy conclusions, I did my due diligence, contacted Kyle and delved a bit deeper to see what SMB’s criptic of ‘Kyle- go-ellies’, vn was really all about. And I was sold…
Kyle and I chatted at some length about his vision, about his previous expedition, whats on the cards for this years fundraiser, music, his event (Riffs and Roses held on 9 August (Woman’s day), my upcoming music festival (Ruby Fest - 4-6 September), and various other common and shared interests. What stood out for me was his easy going friendly demeanor and passion fueled enthusiasm laced in his voice. For me, it felt like something resembling faimily. And all at once I understood. Being part of a live local music scene such as ours, there has to be a certain level of familiarity. The comfort in knowing that we form part of a growing industry where, if we don’t work together or at least aim to, it could unravel. It’s a safe sense of belonging and musos working together in supporting each other is a replica of a family bond.
Linking this to the raising of funds for the Ellies, is a piece I read on HERD’s website landing page that reads, “ Every elephant needs a herd. As a species, their strong family bonds and delicate social dynamics are integral to their wellbeing and survival. Because of this, orphaned elephant calves have a slim chance of survival in the wild. HERD’s South African elephant orphanage gives them a fighting chance by stepping in as their family and protectors when they need it most.” (Until they’re ready to join their new herd, you help us give them a second chance at life…)
Growing up, as a child, my grandparents would often take us kids out on fascinating outings. As kids, we were very privileged to see as much of the country’s beautiful landscape in all its splendour. I cant remember where or when exactly, but we had encountered elephants in man made surroundings, and it was a beautiful sight to see. Have you ever watched baby Ellies froliking? You should…its probably the most endearing, heartwarming, and highly amusing thing to see. Filled with curiosity, childlike abandonment, their playful nature is just like that of toddlers and young children. The adult elepahant’s right there, keeping a watchful eye over their young ones… often helping them out of a pickle… just like human parents.
Kyle, who is a big elephant fan, went in search of elephant charities and found HERD. He liked what they represent and the work they do as a South African organisation. This goes back to 2023, when Malyon was reading There is an Elephant in my Kitchen while considering how to do a circumnavigation trip of South Africa. Setting the stage for the first time epxidition where, Kyke completed a solo circumnavigation of South Africa in 2024. This was done to raise awareness and funds for Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD), an elephant orphanage in Kapama. “After completing the trip (‘The Mammoth Ride’) I did in 2024, I was sure I would do something again for the same cause. A number of those who had supported me then kept on asking when I would be doing another ride. Between April 2024 and now, we kept up with the fundraiser events, but I knew something bigger needed to happen – it was just a matter of what!” Kyle told a local reporter.
Then after reading all the books by Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor of the various trips they have done, such as The Long Way Down and The Long Way Around, the idea of doing a ‘By Any Means’ adventure, was birthed. 12 August is World Elephant Day and this and will see Kyle and Lauren Lewis embarking on their adventure trip from Johannesburg to Jabulani, the home of HERD, in the Kapama Reserve, using various means of transport in their attempt to raise funds for this beautiful and worthy cause. Through various events, they have already raised some funds, but elephants are big eaters, so every bit extra that can be added to the pot will go a long way.
The why behind Kyle’s drive ? “It was born from necessity; a growing number of calves were left orphaned and vulnerable, in urgent need of specialized care and, most importantly, a herd that would welcome them as family. That family is the Jabulani herd. Currently, 15 elephants call it home.”
I asked Kyle Malyon a few questions… read on to find out more about the man behind the drive and the upcoming travels …
1. Q: Who are you in and out of the spotlight?
A: When I'm not busy with trips like this, I am the relationship manager for a law firm, music booking agent and dad to a teenager.
2. Q: What motivated you to initiate this cause and why elephants specifically?
A: In 2023 I was planning a solo circumnavigation of SA and needed a reason for it......I was busy reading there's an elephant in my kitchen and being fond of elephants in general it was an easy choice....this second trip is a follow on to that
3.Q: Tell us what you doing differently this time round?
A: This trip will take place over one day, 3 provinces and only 600km....however 10 forms of transport will be used and I'm dragging Lauren Lewis along for the ride. Iintend to travel from Joburg to Jabulani (The home of H.E.R.D) in Kapama Reserve using various means of transport. What this looks like is going from car to motorbike to train to bus etc.
4.Q: Noteworthy /brag rights...?
A: Bragging rights.....mmm...I have completed the Gaborone Half Marathon, beat cancer and walked the Kaapsehoop Hiking trail
5. Q: What is your favorite sound unrelated to music ?
A: The start up of my Harley
6. Q: Do you sing in the shower? If so... What songs?
A: I don't sing at all, when I tried in the shower the water went cold
7. Q: One fun fact we don't know about you.…
A: on more than one occasion I've slept in an ox-wagon
8. Q:Tell us about the woman's day event you are organizing.
A: Riffs and Roses on 8 August will have 6 different musicians (mainly ladies) and is aimed at collecting toiletries for underprivileged girls
9.Q: Most embarrassing moment
A: Too many to mention
10.Q: Instrument of choice?
A: Motorcycle
11. Q If your instrument of choice could talk. What would its first complaint (about you) be?
A: That I use it the same way most people use a bakkie (almost anything can be loaded on a bike)
12. Q: One real world talent you have that nobody knows about.
A: I can ice-skate...…
13. Q: Where can we follow you ( social platforms)
A: I have sent you the Instagram link for the trip ( see below) and my personal page is malyonkyle or Facebook Kyle Malyon
14 Q Any last thoughts?
A: If you happen to own an interesting vehicle and would like to be part of the day by transporting them part of the way, please reach out to Kyle (082 447 5661).
Follow Kyle Malyon here:https://www.instagram.com/joburgtojabulanibyanymeans?igsh=MTF0ZmFrM3ZqcjN1ag==
Catch the full review here: https://musiciansdomain.com/activity/p/8298/
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