Leading search engine Google has unveiled its 2024 Year in Search (YIS) findings for South Africa, providing a window into the evolving landscape of public interests.
This annual analysis not only highlights the top trending searches but also reflects the significant cultural conversations that captivated the nation over the past year.
The data showcases a remarkable shift in online behaviour, with a notable surge in topics related to entertainment, current affairs, and a curiosity about the lives and legacies of celebrities and influential figures who have passed away.
Among the year’s revelations is the trend surrounding the word "demure." Once largely dismissed as an outdated descriptor of femininity, "demure" has experienced a renaissance, being embraced by a new generation. This trend, which originated from a playful TikTok phenomenon, has sparked meaningful discussions around individuality and self-expression.
As the word permeated fashion runways and social media platforms alike, it encapsulated a growing desire among South Africans to challenge societal norms and explore personal identity. It became one of the most searched terms of the year, signalling a shift in cultural narratives.
In the realm of music, the amapiano track Tshwala Bam,quot; featuring artists c, has taken the country by storm, amassing over 100 million streams in just a month after its release.
Tragedy struck the entertainment industry with the untimely passing of rising star Mpho Sebeng, who emerged as the most searched celebrity loss in 2024. This was closely followed by the deaths of international pop icon Liam Payne and renowned politician Pravin Gordhan, whose legacies profoundly impacted South Africa.
On the cinematic front, "Inside Out 2" captured the audience’s imagination, securing its place as the most searched movie in the country, while the TV show "Baby Reindeer" ascended to the top spot among local television enthusiasts.
A significant political moment took shape in May 2024 as South Africans prepared for the national elections, which led to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) emerging as the most searched event. The interest was not restricted to local politics—the results of the US elections also piqued South Africans' curiosity, capturing the second spot on the event searches list.
Sports fans were not left behind, with a keen interest in major tournaments such as AFCON and Euro 2024, particularly sparked by the performance of Bafana Bafana at the AFCON held in Ivory Coast, which ignited national pride and unity.
This year's findings are a testament to how digital searches can mirror the evolving narrative of a nation.
Top ten music searches include Malome Vector, Shebeshxt, Chris Brown, Tyla, P Diddy, Tshwala Bam, Kabza Chant, Donald, Imithandazo, and Ntate Stunna.
Top searched losses in 2024 include Mpho Sebeng, Liam Payne, Pravin Gordhan, Connie Chiume, Tito Mboweni, Zanele Mbokazi, Markus Jooste, Aletta Bezuidenhout, Dudu Myeni, and Solly Moholo.
Most searched athletes include Dricus du Plessis, Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul, Lamine Yamal, Ronwen Williams, Akani Simbine, Nico Williams, Christian Horner, Riyad Mahrez, Rhulani Mokwena, and Tatjana Smith.
Most searched movies include Inside Out 2, Bad Boys 4, Fool Me Once, Movie Box, Deadpool, Damsel, Divorce in Black, Shogun, Beekeeper, and Road House.
Most searched TV shows include Baby Reindeer, Griselda Blanco, Beauty in Black, Menendez Brothers, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Siphesihle Mokoena, Ronnie Nyakale, The Crow, House of the Dragon, and Big Brother Mzansi 2024.
The Star