A new series on SABC 1 takes viewers beyond social media feeds to explore the people and stories behind some of South Africa’s digital personalities.
The show, "Go Viral", questions what happens when the cameras stop rolling, the screen goes dark and the likes stop counting.
The 13-part series premieres on Saturday, September 5 at 7:30pm, with new episodes airing every Saturday on SABC1 and SABC Plus.
From comedy, dance and music to education, news, culture and entertainment, "Go Viral" examines how ordinary moments can become extraordinary opportunities when they connect with audiences online.
But the series goes beyond follower counts, likes and views. It delves into the stories audiences do not always see on their screens: who these personalities were before they went viral, what changed when millions began watching and what it takes to turn online attention into something lasting.
The personalities to be featured on the show include Touchline Truth, Moshe Ndiki, Nqoh Mhlongo, Pistole Gwijo, Goodwill Bongiseni Mtsweni, Jaxx Amahle, Nathan Molefe, Kananelo Precious Ngaleka and Thuli Dlamuka.
Social media has transformed the way South Africans communicate, create and build careers. A single post, dance, joke, opinion or everyday moment can reach millions of people almost overnight, opening doors that may once have been difficult to access.
For some creators, viral success can lead to opportunities in entertainment, business and commercial partnerships. For others, digital platforms have become powerful tools for education, cultural preservation, storytelling and community representation.
"Go Viral" explores these journeys from the other side of the screen, highlighting the creativity, hard work, risks, business opportunities and personal transformations that often sit behind the content audiences have come to know and love.
At its core, "Go Viral" celebrates a generation of South Africans redefining what it means to have an audience. The series shines a spotlight on people using digital platforms to build careers, create communities, educate audiences, preserve culture and tell stories that may otherwise struggle to find a place in traditional media.
The series opens with Thabo Mahlwele, better known as Touchline Truth, the Tembisa-born rapper, poet and lyricist whose conscious hip-hop, captivating freestyles and storytelling have earned him a loyal online following.
His story offers viewers an opportunity to meet the person behind the music while exploring the role digital platforms have played in shaping his creative journey.
culture_thenational@nationalmg.co.za