Latest news with #SisterBethina
Time Out
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
South Africa is officially one of the world's funniest countries
If there's one thing South Africans are known for, it's our ability to laugh through just about anything. We don't take ourselves too seriously – and more often than not, that sense of humour brings us together. Take lockdown, for example. When Cabinet Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma defended the tobacco ban with her now-infamous line – "When people zol, they put saliva on the paper, and then they share that zol" – the internet did what it does best. Within days, Capetonian music producer Max Hurrell had turned the moment into the viral hit 'Zol', which quickly became a national lockdown anthem. Fast forward to the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the peak of loadshedding, and Mgarimbe gave 'Sister Bethina', affectionately called South Africa's unofficial second national anthem, a fresh spin with 'Amabokoboko (Sister Bokkina)', featuring the memorable line: "We're taking the loadshedding to France, boys." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 947 (@947joburg) Now, science has caught up with what we've always known. A global study by Remitly using the Humour Styles Questionnaire, involving 6,000 participants across 30 countries, set out to identify the World's Funniest Nations – and South Africa made the list, ranking 19th with an average humour score of 69.26. The study assessed four types of humour: Affiliative humour: The social glue – friendly, inclusive, and uplifting. Self-enhancing humour: Optimistic and resilient – helping people cope through tough times. Aggressive humour: Sarcastic, teasing, and sometimes at others' expense. Self-defeating humour: Self-deprecating and used to deflect or gain approval. While we didn't crack the top 10 overall, South Africa did claim the number one spot for both affiliative and self-enhancing humour. The 10 Funniest Nations: Czech Republic Portugal Ireland Belgium Chile Greece Australia Poland Denmark Hungary So no, we might not be the absolute funniest, but when it comes to laughter that brings people together and keeps spirits high, South Africa leads the pack. As if our sense of humour isn't enough (we're looking at you Trevor Noah), we've were also recently named one of the Best Countries on Earth!
The South African
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
EISH WENA: Schoolkids nailed viral 'Sister Bethina' challenge, wowed principal
Viral videos never seem to dry up on the World Wide Web. Isn't it wild how there's always something bizarre or hilarious making the rounds? From people surfing shopping trolleys on highways to cringeworthy challenge fails, the Internet never stops surprising us. The latest viral sensation has grabbed the attention of millions, racking up likes and shares all over social media. Today's Eish Wena segment features a group of schoolchildren who delighted their principal and the internet by flawlessly executing the 'Sister Bethina' freeze challenge. Watch the video below @harperlindajulieann Sister Betina freeze challenge with our Principal. ❤️ End of term fun with our babas. #schoolsoftiktok #teachersoftiktok #sweepschoolsislife #sweepschools ♬ Sister Bethina – Mgarimbe Need your news quickly? Visit The South African website for all you need to know. Enjoy a wide variety of videos from news, lifestyle, travel, sports, viral videos and lots more! There is always something to watch here! Why not follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok while you're at it? Get ALL the news you need to know on the go at your convenience! Submit your videos for a chance to be featured in the daily Viral Video article and get your name mentioned. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Timbaland sparks debate as he signs an AI artist to his label
Grammy-award-winning American producer Timbaland has caused a stir with his decision to sign an AI artist to his record label. The artist is called TaTa, and this move has been met with vast opposition. The growing rise of AI will see most vocations and industries either succumb to this development or learn to use it somehow. Timbaland describes TaTa as 'a living, learning, autonomous music artist built with AI. He stressed that TaTa is more than just an avatar or animated character. He's even pioneering a genre around his new artist, something he calls A-pop, along with a new company to manage his artificially created exploits. He probably will not refrain from collaborating with human beings. He has quite a roster of talents that he has helped shape. People like Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Justin Timberlake, and Keri Hilson. He unearthed a lot of those talents himself. The idea with the AI artist TaTa will be to blend human creativity with digital advancements. Timbaland has aligned himself with an AI music company called Suno, an entity that has endured quite a bit of turmoil as a result of copyright infringement and concerns. The quirky producer who helped pioneer R&B and hip hop from Virginia remains focused on this endeavour, bearing fruit. South Africans also owe him a lot as his famous stem, which he allowed to be used for free, is what built our nation's second anthem, Sister Bethina. The industry, however, is not enjoying this idea. Famed American producer and long-time collaborator of Jay-Z, Young Guru, has perhaps been the loudest voice against this. He submitted that AI compromises the authenticity and human-generated passion that good music relies on. 'Human expression can never be reduced to this,' Young Guru said in a social media post. Rapper Joyner Lucas also voiced his concerns, along with rapper Uncle Murda, and even British DJ Shy FX views this approach as flawed. The enterprising maestro is still determined to make this work. 'I'm not just producing tracks anymore. I'm producing systems, stories, and stars from scratch,' he explained in an interview. He is of the firm belief that AI will change the way music is made for the better. Streamlining the process and making things easier and quicker for producers and musicians. The music industry might be on the precipice of dramatic change. One need only observe the impact of social media has on the way music is released and engaged with. Timbaland is gearing up to relase TaTa's debut single in the months to come. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: ULTRA South Africa celebrates 10 years of dance music
ULTRA South Africa is Africa's largest electronic music festival and is part of the ULTRA Worldwide family. The main stage at ULTRA South Africa which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied ULTRA South Africa marked a decade of dance with two monumental shows this weekend, kicking off in Cape Town on Friday, May 9, before heading to Johannesburg for a grand finale on Saturday, May 10. Together, they formed a euphoric celebration of music, energy, and unity — and a fitting tribute to 10 years of ULTRA magic in South Africa. Both cities turned up in full force, with fans packing out the venues from early afternoon to the final beat at 2 a.m. As expected, ULTRA South Africa's 10th anniversary was nothing short of spectacular, with an electrifying line-up of international headliners who delivered unforgettable performances across both cities. The main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied Martin Garrix closed the night incredibly, delivering a career-spanning set. The highlight: a jaw-dropping surprise appearance by American indie pop star Lauv and South Africa's own Lloyiso, who joined Garrix as surprise guests. Iconic trance legend Armin van Buuren kept the energy soaring with a flawless mix of massive hits and fresh new tracks, bringing South African fans an experience they won't soon forget. Making his South African debut, ISOxo brought his high-energy sound and genre-bending style to local fans, cementing his place as one of the most exciting new names in electronic music and KSHMR thrilled fans by putting his own dynamic spin on local favourites like 'Sister Bethina', 'Jerusalema', 'I Fink You Freeky' and even 'Nkalakatha', creating an incredible cultural crossover moment on the main stage. Armin Van Buuren playing on the main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied The ever-evolving RESISTANCE stage offered deeper, darker energy, delivering a pulsating soundtrack to ULTRA South Africa's more underground electronic fans. This year's line-up was a masterclass in melodic Techno, Progressive House, and Afro-house. International heavyweights like Mind Against and Massano captivated the crowd with their intricate performances, while South African titans like Shimza and Culoe De Song delivered transcendent sets that fused Afro-tech and Afro-house elements with a deep, spiritual resonance — a beautiful reminder of the country's influence on the global dance scene. Cape Town's show at The Ostrich kicked off the weekend, set against the picturesque Western Cape views. From Dean Fuel B2B Kyle Cassim to Gil Glaze, Niskerone, and a powerful opener by MIA, the day was packed with South African talent at its finest. KSHMR playing on the main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied Johannesburg's ULTRA South Africa experience at the Expo Centre Nasrec was the larger of the two, featuring additional stages: The Groove Room and Clubhouse. Legends such as Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, DJ Maphorisa, and Da Capo took the celebration to new heights. Celebrating and paying homage to South African electronic music and Amapiano, The Groove Room was an exciting addition to the ULTRA South Africa offering. Sets by Oscar Mbo, Dlala Thukzin, 2woBunnies, and Mörda drew massive crowds and proved to be an exciting new chapter for Ultranauts. Meanwhile, Clubhouse returned and kept things vibing with incredible sets from Kasango, Shamiso, and who all delivered unforgettable moments. Across both cities, the weekend was a powerful reminder of why ULTRA South Africa has become a cornerstone of the country's music culture, bringing fans together to celebrate the sounds that move us. ALSO WATCH: Tanker crash on N1 South causes major traffic delays in Roodepoort
