In a revealing glimpse into the interests of South Africans, Google has unveiled its annual analysis of top searches for 2024, showcasing the nation’s engagement with current affairs, entertainment, sports, and significant global events. With increases in both curiosity and search queries, the insights reflect a society thriving on the latest happenings, cultural shifts, and the legacies of notable figures.
Notably, the report highlighted pivotal events that captured the attention of South Africans. The country’s National Elections, held on 29th May, emerged as a key focal point, reflecting the citizens’ appetite for political engagement. The tragic collapse of a building in Cape Town sparked national conversations about safety and urban development, while the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards engaged sports fans who eagerly followed the accolades in world football.
In the realm of music, the searches revealed a fascination with both established and emerging artists. The late Malome Vector, Tyla, Chris Brown, and Ntate Stunna topped the charts, while the infectious Amapiano track, “Tshwala Bami” featuring S.N.E and EeQue, surpassed an impressive 100 million streams, largely buoyed by a viral dance challenge on TikTok. This digital influence underscores the power of social media platforms in shaping music trends across the nation.
The report also indicated a growing curiosity among South Africans, as “Demure” was identified as the most searched word, subtly reflecting the public’s intrigue with language trends, likely spurred by popular culture.
Tragedy struck the entertainment industry as well, with the passings of beloved personalities prompting an outpouring of searches for late actors, including Mpho Sebeng and Connie Chiume, while political notables like former ministers Tito Mboweni and Pravin Gordhan also garnered attention in the wake of their deaths. The music world mourned the loss of talent such as Solly Moholo and international pop star Liam Payne, as fans sought to commemorate their legacies.
In sports, South Africans kept tabs on major events and figures. High-profile tournaments such as the AFCON, Olympics, and EURO 2024 saw increased follower engagement, while local sports personalities like the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena, retired medallist Tatjana Smith, sprinter Akani Simbine, and Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams were frequently searched in the context of their impressive careers.
When it came to entertainment, the lists reflected a diverse array of interests. Television phenomenon Big Brother Mzansi, the highly acclaimed series The House of the Dragon, and blockbuster films like Baby Reindeer, Deadpool, and Bad Boys 4 dominated the search trends, highlighting South Africans’ love for both local and international content.
Additionally, the political landscape was buzzing with activity, as searches spiked for figures such as the incoming US President Donald Trump, uMkhonto weSizwe Party Secretary General Floyd Shivhambu, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, and model Chidimma Adetshina, signifying a broad spectrum of public interest across various sectors.
This latest data not only demonstrates the eclectic interests of South Africans but also provides valuable insight into the collective consciousness of the nation as they engage with pivotal events and personalities shaping their world in 2024.
