By SGN | Updated 18 Jun 2025
Kojo Enoch is no stranger to contrast. Back in his native Ghana, there was an abundance of warmth, community, and laughter; but, also, frequent blackouts, broken roads, and opportunities that always seemed just out of reach.
“Growing up in Ghana was humbling and inspiring,” he says. “There was so much potential, but so many challenges. I started wondering: why do some places thrive while others struggle?”
That question eventually took him thousands of miles to Singapore. He had heard the usual buzz: clean, efficient, futuristic. “Honestly, it sounded too perfect to be true,” he laughs. “But when I got here, everything just worked. And not in a flashy way. It was the little things like, how safe it felt, how orderly life was. I had never seen anything like it.”
Kojo, who had already started creating videos about his travels, viewed his experience in Singapore as a turning point. His YouTube channel, Explore With Kojo, began shifting away from tourist snapshots to something deeper: honest reflections on how culture, leadership, and community shape our lives.
“Singapore challenged me to raise my standards, not just as a content creator, but as a person,” he says. “It made me think about leadership, culture, and the kind of stories I want to tell. Now, I try to go beyond the surface and show what really makes a place tick.”
From quiet questions to global calling
Long before he ever picked up a camera, Kojo was a quietly curious boy growing up in Ghana. His world was filled with warmth, colour, and strong community ties, yet he couldn’t help noticing how much didn’t quite add up.
“There was a lot I didn’t understand,” he shares. “We had this incredible sense of togetherness, but at the same time, things were constantly breaking down. There were power cuts, rough roads, and promises from leaders that never seemed to come true.”
That curiosity grew, as he got older. Instead of accepting things as they were, Kojo began asking questions. He started paying attention to how people in other places lived, how they solved problems, how they built systems that worked. He read whatever he could find, watch documentaries, and soak in stories from people who had travelled.
So, when the opportunity to travel finally came, in the form of a self-funded journey Kojo had spent years dreaming about and saving up for, he didn’t see it as a way out — he saw it as a way in.
“I knew I didn’t want to just take pictures and move on,” he says. “I wanted to learn. I wanted to really understand what made each place tick and share that with people who might never get to see it for themselves.”
Finding the heartbeat of every place
That intention led to the birth of Explore With Kojo, his YouTube channel. In the beginning, it was just him, a camera, and an insatiable curiosity. He filmed the places he visited, the people he met, and the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed.
One of his first trips took him to Bonwire in Ghana, where he documented the traditional weaving of Kente cloth. Another brought him to the haunting halls of Elmina Castle, where he reflected on Ghana’s colonial past and its echoes today.
As his travels continued, a pivotal encounter altered the way he told stories. While filming a bustling market in Ghana, what was meant to be a light-hearted piece on vibrant trade suddenly changed course. A vendor began to share the economic struggles her family faced because of rising inflation rates.
“The tone shifted from fun to deeply emotional,” he recalls. “I put my camera down and just listened. Later, I returned with a new approach. I wanted to showcase both the beauty and the hardship of the market. Real stories don’t always follow a script, and that’s where the magic unfolds.”
From that moment, his videos grew more thoughtful and rooted in the bigger picture. He started exploring deeper questions about identity, leadership, and what it means to build a community that truly works.
“Once I started telling real stories, I saw how much they could do,” he shares. “One video could change how someone sees a place, or even how they see themselves.”
Throughout his journeys, certain lessons stood out. “I was struck by how respect is shown through silence in many cultures. In Ghana, elders pause before speaking to show thoughtfulness. I saw that same respectful silence in Japan, especially in traditional settings.”
He also noticed a common thread in how food is shared. “Across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa, communal meals might look different, but the feeling of togetherness is the same. It reminds me how connected we all are.”
Above all, kindness, hospitality, and family are universal languages. “No matter where I have travelled, people are trying to do right by their families and communities,” he reflects. “We all want safety, connection, and purpose. The ways we express these needs might differ, but, at the core, it is always the same.”
Kojo lives by one simple rule: listen first and never assume the story is already known.
“I want to see the world through their eyes, not just mine,” he says. This openness, he believes, unlocks unscripted moments — rare occasions when culture shines the brightest.
Why Singapore: A journey between two worlds
When Kojo first thought about visiting Singapore, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He had heard stories about a city that was spotless, efficient, and almost like something from the future. It sounded impressive, and almost unreal. So, he made up his mind to see it with his own eyes.
The moment he arrived, everything surprised him. “I was totally blown away,” he says. “It wasn’t just the tall buildings or the technology. What really hit me was how safe and smooth life feels here. Coming from Ghana, where unpredictability is part of everyday life, that kind of peace is priceless.”
Ghana bursts with rich colours, lively energy, and close-knit community bonds. “Back home, people wear their hearts on their sleeves and connect easily with one another. Singapore feels different. It’s quieter and more structured, but what caught me off guard was the deep respect for harmony and diversity. It still feels like a community, just in a different way.”
His time in Singapore also opened his eyes to new ideas about leadership and progress. “This country doesn’t have natural resources like oil or gold, yet it has built something incredible through focus and discipline,” he says.
The level of planning and accountability amazed him. “Back in Ghana, we have passion and drive, but too often it is held back by corruption or poor execution. Singapore showed me what is possible when vision meets action.”
Experiencing these two very different worlds has changed how Kojo tells stories. “Before, my videos were mostly about fun travel stuff, like where to eat and what to see,” he admits. “But Singapore changed all that.”
His videos about Singapore now explore more complex themes, such as reflecting on Lee Kuan Yew’s visit to Ghana and the lessons the two countries share. Through honest conversations and a range of perspectives, as seen in ‘Singapore SHOCKS Every Visitor: Foreigners Share The Reality of Being Here’, Kojo encourages viewers to look beyond the surface and truly appreciate the city’s unique culture and spirit.
“Singapore made me stop and think. It inspired me to create content that goes beyond entertainment to ask bigger questions and show what happens when a society chooses to do things right.”
Words of wisdom for aspiring cultural storytellers
For anyone eager to share cultural stories through content, Kojo’s advice is simple, yet powerful.
“Start close to home. You don’t need to travel far to find rich narratives. Culture is woven into everyday moments like your family’s recipes, local celebrations, or the rhythm of your neighbourhood.”
“Begin by paying attention to those small details, even if it’s just with your phone,” he says. “What really matters is your intention. Be curious, patient, and always try to understand before expecting to be understood.”
When it comes to representing cultures authentically, Kojo believes respect is the key. “Never assume you know the whole story,” he advises.
“Listen more than you speak and approach every story with humility. Always ask yourself, is this my story to tell? And am I telling it with care?” He adds that sometimes the best storytelling happens when you put the camera down and show up with compassion.
“If your content helps people see the world through new eyes, with greater empathy and understanding, then you are truly doing something meaningful,” he concludes.
Quickfire with Kojo: Exploring Singapore
Kojo has spent plenty of time filming and exploring Singapore. Curious about what his days look like, what surprises him the most, and which spots and dishes he loves? Here’s a quickfire round straight from Kojo himself.
Q1
What’s a typical day like for you in Singapore?
I don’t live here permanently but visit as often as I can. My days are packed with filming, walking around the city, and soaking up its rhythm. Nights are for editing and sometimes grabbing a late meal or doing a night shoot. It’s intense but I enjoy every minute.
Q2
What surprised you most about Singaporean culture?
The trust people have for one another really stood out. For example, saving seats at hawker centres with tissues. Also, the multiculturalism here is deep and woven into everyday life, not just surface–level.
Q3
What are some favourite places you like to visit or film?
Chinatown is one of my top picks, for its energy and stories. Merlion Park has some beautiful skyline views, especially during sunset. Little India surprises with its vibrant colours and traditions. And of course, Clarke Quay at night is absolutely electric with lights, music, and atmosphere.
Q4
Which Singaporean dishes do you keep going back for?
Hainanese chicken rice is a simple classic that grows on you. Laksa is bold and comforting. Chilli crab is messy but unforgettable. These dishes tell the story of Singapore’s culture and history.
Q5
Was it hard to make friends here?
At first, I was a bit nervous since I’m not local. But being genuinely curious and respectful has helped a lot. Some of my best connections happened while filming or through social media. Singaporeans can seem reserved but once they warm up, they’re very generous.
Q6
What’s a hidden gem in Singapore that not many know about?
There are quiet neighbourhood hawker centres with amazing food and welcoming people. Those spots show the everyday side of Singapore.
Q7
What’s a Singaporean habit that still surprises you?
The way people “chope” or save seats in food courts always makes me smile. It’s such a unique and practical thing.
Q8
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Singapore?
Singapore is more than a modern city. It has a rich history and diverse communities living together in harmony.
About Kojo
Kojo Enoch is a Ghanaian content creator, digital entrepreneur, and storyteller behind Explore With Kojo, a YouTube channel that delves into cultural narratives and human experiences from around the globe. His work offers viewers a window into diverse communities, traditions, and the shared threads that connect us all.
View his channel here.
