2024 — what a year! So much happened that South Africans engaged with each other online and searched for some of the most talked-about topics, celebrities, sporting events, politicians, and death news.
Google has unveiled the findings of its 2024 Year in Search for South Africa, an annual analysis revealing the top trending lists and spotlighting what the world searches for.
In South Africa, this year's results show a heightened interest in entertainment, current affairs, events, sports, celebrities, and notable personalities who have passed away.
Among celebrities and media personalities who passed away this year, Mpho Sebeng, a talented and rising star in the South African film industry, topped the search list for loss.
English singer-songwriter Liam Payne’s death shocked the entire world with his passing and Pravin Gordhan followed in the category of losses that captured the interest of South Africans this year.
While musician Malome Vector does not appear on the top 10 searched losses he does top the list for the top 10 music searches in 2024.
Rapper Shebeshxt follows behind, at no surprise after the headline-making year he had. Real name Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke in June tragically lost his nine-year-old daughter in a car accident involving him.
The daughter of Limpopo rapper, Lehlogonolo Katlego ‘Shebeshxt’ Chauke was buried in June. The daughter of Limpopo rapper, Lehlogonolo Katlego ‘Shebeshxt’ Chauke was buried in June. Picture: X
Image: Picture: X
Chris Brown has been a hot topic in South Africa ever since it was announced that he would be performing in the country. He takes the third spot in the top 10 most music searches.
Women for Change, an organisation that advocates for the rights of women and children in South Africa launched a petition to stop the US artist from performing in the country. The Stop Chris Brown from Performing in South Africa: No Stage for Abusers petition has 51,892 signatures but the concert is going as planned.
The United States elections were the talk of the world and it’s no surprise that Donald Trump tops the list of the most searched people in 2024 and Kamala Harris at number four.
Floyd Shivambu breaking up with EFF landed him on almost all social media platforms. He certainly did hog headlines with his dramatic political chess moves. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party Secretary General is the second most searched-for person this year, understandably.
Secretary general of uMkhonto weSizwe, Floyd Shivambu. Secretary general of uMkhonto weSizwe, Floyd Shivambu. File Picture
Image: File Picture
Actor Leon Schuster had many of his fans worried about his health struggles and he follows behind the politicians on the list. Politicians dominate the list with Mr charisma and promises Gayton Mckenzie at number five.
Former cabinet minister and ANC national executive committee member Zizi Kodwa follows. What a year he has had with that whole alleged corruption matter that saw him in a courtroom and resigning from parliament.
Chidimma Adetshina, who would have thought the Miss South Africa pageant would be so drama filled Adetshina, journey to the first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant places her at number seven of the most searched people.
The success of the seemingly simple word “demure” is quite fascinating. A playful TikTok trend that took over everywhere and of course South Africans wanted to know what it meant. The meaning of the word demure is one of this year’s most searched words, according to the 2024 Year in Search data.
Chidimma Adetshina Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina participates in the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant Competition show at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Mexico, on November 16, 2024
Image: Photo by Yamak Perea/ Eyepix Group/ NurPhoto via AFP
TikTok’s power of turning a viral trend into actual success can also be noted in the captivating amapiano track “Tshwala Bami” featuring S.N.E and EeQue's meteoric success.
Released earlier this year, the song surpassed 100 million streams within a month after its release, solidifying its position as a global hit and is this year’s most searched Amapiano dance tune.
Thato Mathobela, known as TitoM, and Bongani Sibanyoni, famously known as Yuppe’s song “Tshwala Bami” took the music world by storm, it even surpassed 100 million streams within a month after its release.
The song won the Best Viral Challenge award at the Metro FM Music Awards, earlier this year. The Tshwala Bami challenge went viral and had many people around the world dancing to the song.
South African global sensation Tyla is number four on the Top 10 music searches in 2024. With all her back to back wins, everyone wants to know everything about the Grammy-award winning South African.
South Africans were eager to make their mark during the 2024 National Elections in May, IEC topped the most searched event list.
Dricus du Plessis Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC title against Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya in Australia. Picture: Leon Lestrade
Image: Leon Lestrade
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis tops the list of the top 10 most searched athletes in 2024. The UFC fighter has won several matches that have placed him at the top of the league.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul - the fight everyone wanted to see on Netflix but spent half the time waiting for the streaming platform to load is at number two on the list. South Africa's Ronwen Williams follows at number three, thanks to his Ballon d’or 2024 nomination.
The Africa Cup of Nations topped the list for Top 10 searches and Top 10 sporting events searched in 2024 lists.
IOL Entertainment