Busker Faces Daily Harassment, Finds Safety in Live Streams

Nehanda Ferguson, a busker from the West Midlands, regularly encounters unwanted sexual innuendo and harassment while performing on high streets. She describes incidents ranging from men rummaging through her belongings to verbal objectification and being filmed without consent, stating this occurs daily and makes her feel violated. Ferguson has found a way to enhance her safety by live streaming her performances on social media platforms like TikTok. This approach acts as a deterrent and provides a mechanism for her followers to offer assistance if needed.

Having busked for seven years, Ferguson felt compelled to address the negative attention after a particularly upsetting incident in Coventry. She now uses her social media presence, which boasts over 100,000 followers, to call out such behavior and advocate for young girls, emphasizing that unwanted sexual attention is unacceptable. While she acknowledges the joy her music brings and welcomes positive interactions, she stresses the importance of respectful engagement and encourages others to speak out against harassment when it is safe to do so.