Some of us who swore never to download TikTok when it was popular amongst Gen Zs now spend hours scrolling comedy skits, dance challenges, storytimes and hacks. South African TikTok hasn’t missed a beat, keeping us chained to our screens. These are a few of our local TikTok faves.
KHANYISA JACENI
@KHANYISA_JACENI
Followers: 2 million
Views: 44.5 million +
This 25-year-old influencer has two million followers and over 43 million views on TikTok. She's known for her infamous #BOTTOMLINE tagline and her isiXhosa gospel covers of popular hits such as Rihanna's 'Unfaithful', Neyo's 'Miss Independent' and local amapiano hit `Nkao Tempela' by Ch'eco and Mellow & Sleazy.
She's since released her first single, 'Bheka Mina Ngedwa', with Alarcus MC and Lady Du, with over one million streams on Spotify. Khanyisa's social media presence, all-around positive energy and talent has fast-tracked her musicial career.
TYLA SEETHAL
@TYLATHECURATOR
Followers: 1.4 million
Views:18.4 million +
Being a pop star was always one of Tyla's goals - she was working towards that long before the lockdowns. Unfortunately. her budding popstar career came to a halt but she managed to pivot and combine her love for singing and social media entertainment. She released her debut single, 'Getting Late', in October 2019 but only broadcast the music video in January 2021 due to delays caused by this pandemic. Still, the dance hit took TikTok by storm for weeks and reached one million views on YouTube. Tyla keeps us entertained on Tik with enchanting dance and sweet singing, quietly working on her career moves.
WIAN VAN DEN BERG
@WIAN
Followers: 16.2 million
Views: 285.5 million
This South African magician has the highest following on TikTok in the country. He never fails to impress locals with his fascinating skils on the streets and has even performed for the Stormers rugby union team.
BANELE NDABA
@MOGHELINGZ
Followers: 1.2 million
Views: 21.4 million
Banele is one of South Africa's fastest-growing digital creators thanks to his hilarious satirical content, dance moves and beauty influencing. In some of Banele's hit comedy skits, he reflects on his experiences attending South African schools and everyday childhood. His relatable content leaves us in stitches and showcases Banele 's acting chops. He hopes to pursue acting professionally.
ZETHU GQOLA
@ZETHUGQULA
Followers: 76.7 thousand
Views: 2.4 million
Zethu is a marketing campaign manager who works with brands such as Apple and Rocking the Daisies. On the side, she keeps us in the know with well-informed updates on South Africa's current affairs and global pop culture, donning her infamous pink, fluffy gown. National news broadcasting can be depressing to listen to and watch, but Zethu is an upbeat alternative to a Debbie Downer.
NEEVAN FERRIS
@NEEVAN_FERRIS
Followers 1,8 million
Views: 35.8 million
What would TikTok be without dance? Neevan is one of those creators who stays on top of trends and dance challenges, grabbing viewers' attention with her amapiano dance skills. She started posting content on TikTok in January 2020, in which her family and friends regularly feature. and has continued to entertain us since.
This article originally appeared in our June 2022 Disruptors Issue, now available in-stores. Grab your digital copy, here.
