Oxford’s famous busker reveals all from singing to drugs

Richard Christian Shama, known as Rich, has been busking on the city centre streets for two years and has become popular with locals and tourists alike.

With his unconventional and instantly recognisable shouty style, Rich’s renditions of songs often provide the soundtrack to city life.

Not much is known about the busker aside from his unique singing voice but the local celebrity opened up in a chat with the Oxford Mail.

Rich used to own a wine bar in the Cotswolds but found himself struggling with substance abuse in the hospitality line of work.

“It’s a lot of late hours and a lot of cocaine because you finish at the restaurant at 11pm and then someone says do you want a drink and another asks about a line and suddenly it's 4am,” he said.

“You need to reopen the next day and then it happens again and again and before you know it, a month goes by. That’s the lifestyle and it can only go on for so long.

“I had a breakup with my girlfriend at the time and it sends you a bit loco when you lose a really big relationship in your life and I was doing a lot of coke.

“There was a wise voice in my head that told me to get away so I got away to work in the Alps and came back to see my kids at Covid.

“I came down to Oxford in 2020 and had no idea what to do, staying in hostels and a friend told me I should busk.

“I wouldn’t say I am earning anymore doing busking but I am enjoying it more because I am free and I like my job.”

Rich has been busking in Oxford since 2022. (Image: Newsquest)

Originally born in London, the 45-year-old sings now seven days a week and believes it is his unique singing style which sets him apart from the crowd.

“I haven’t had a day off in around two years and work around seven hours a day,” revealed Rich.

“I am doing something that I haven’t seen any other busker do which is singing over the original tunes because I have an issue with the karaoke versions.

“It’s like you are taking a Bruce Springsteen classic and you are instantly devaluing it by putting someone’s synthesised version of it when he spent so long making it.

“Also if my voice is a little bit weak after singing for six hours, I've got the harmony of the original behind me and between both of us, I can layer it perfectly.

“That adds a different live musical nuance to it and I prefer it this way, its easier for me.”

Rich often sings Bruce Springsteen's songs.

The father of two earns around £40,000 a year singing and the local response has been positive on the whole but he has had to block out some negativity whilst in Oxford.

“Some people have been nice and others haven’t but I don’t think it can let it bother you,” said Rich.

“Sometimes I may be too loud or others I go on for too long but I can’t be thinking about that all of the time because I wouldn’t actually be thinking about performing.

“I get requests and I take them because if you say no, it kills the atmosphere and even though I am here doing my stuff, it's not about me.

“In Oxford I don’t make so much money anymore as I think everyone has seen the act so, although they still enjoy it, to pay for it continually isn’t quite in their mindset anymore.”

Rich can often be found in the city centre on Cornmarket Street. (Image: Newsquest)

Rich wanted to partake in the rare interview to encourage others to follow their dreams and leave behind what makes them feel depressed.

“The main purpose is to stimulate people to think that they can do anything they want,” he said.

“We try and make people feel better about their s**t lives but ultimately it is a restrictive life.

“Decide what makes you happy and what drives you whether it's being an astronaut or a rock star and that’s what we should be telling people.

“If it doesn’t make you happy then always do something else.”