Must-watch trailer: Tiek Tok Boem!, a doccie on Afrikaans TikTok

Showmax has just released the trailer for Tiek Tok Boem!, an explosive Showmax Original documentary set to premiere on 18 February 2025. This eye-opening 90-minute documentary takes a deep dive into the world of Afrikaans TikTokers who are pushing the platform to new – and often disturbing – levels.

When most people think of TikTok, they picture fun dance challenges, viral memes, and endless laughs. But those days are over. A new wave of Afrikaans TikTokers is now dominating the local scene with their so-called “Drama Lives.” Some say ruling it, while others argue they’re ruining it. These live streams are far from your typical fun and games: they’re filled with cyberbullying, substance abuse, violence, explicit language, and, on occasion, even flushing your ex’s ashes down the toilet. Sadly, these chaotic broadcasts have already led to live-streamed suicide attempts. 

Watch the trailer for Tiek Tok Boem!

Created by Rian van Heerden and Provoco (the team behind the SAFTA-winning Sex in Afrikaans), Tiek Tok Boem! zooms in on the people behind some of South Africa’s most controversial TikTok handles. 

These include:

• Christiaan Otto, Christiaan met 2 A’s, who has nearly 300k followers
• Amelda Claassen, aka Queen Amelda, who has nearly 80k followers
• Leigh Pascheka Husselman, Leigh Pascheka, who has 65k+ followers
• Johnny van Rensburg, aka King Binlaken, who has 50k+ followers
• Teresa van der Bergh, Terrible Tess, who has 35k+ followers

Together, the featured TikTokkers have over 100 million views. 

“Tiek Tok Boem! explores how TikTok has transformed their lives, lined their pockets, and driven some of them to the edge,” says Rian. “We met people earning thousands of Rands per week going live on TikTok – after TikTok takes its cut. It’s raining money out there on social media.”

Rian adds that the term “The Colosseum” kept coming up in relation to these Drama Lives, likening the drama to the gladiatorial battles in ancient Rome – entertaining the masses at any cost. “It’s a chilling look at the dark side of fame in the TikTok age, raising the question: where is the line between fame and catastrophe?”

He’s particularly intrigued by why this phenomenon has exploded in Afrikaans culture. “It seems like in South Africa, it’s more of an Afrikaans thing. Why do Afrikaans people engage in this kind of behaviour – cyberbullying each other, stirring conflict – and why do we reward them with money and fame for doing it?”

On the most shocking thing he uncovered while filming the doccie, he says, “The absolute hatred that most of these controversial TikTokkers receive in the comments section. It almost felt inhuman.”

Other interviewees include Devilsdorp star Marizka Coetzer, social media Influencer Themba Robin, comedian and writer Melanie du Toit, and psychologist Sanam Naran, who offer insight into the cultural and psychological impact of this new wave of digital stardom. 

As Marizka says in the trailer, “It is a disaster waiting to happen. You’re just waiting for it to blow up.”