Tiek Tok Boem! — A Hard-Hitting Exposé on Afrikaans TikTok Culture

As a senior entertainment blogger, I must say Showmax’s latest documentary, Tiek Tok Boem! (2025), is a raw and unflinching look into the chaotic underbelly of Afrikaans TikTok culture that has taken South Africa by storm — and not always for the better.

Once a platform synonymous with lighthearted dance challenges and viral memes, TikTok’s Afrikaans community has evolved into a space dominated by what the documentary calls “Drama Lives.” These livestreams are no longer just entertainment; they frequently feature cyberbullying, substance abuse, violence, and vulgar language, pushing the boundaries of social media behavior to disturbing new extremes.

The documentary, directed by Johan Naude and produced by Rian van Heerden and Provoco (the team behind the acclaimed Sex in Afrikaans), dives deep into the lives of some of the most controversial TikTok personalities like Amelda Claassens, BinLaken, Leigh Pasheka, and Tippex. It explores how TikTok has transformed their lives — bringing fame and financial gain but also exposing them to mental health crises and public scrutiny.

One of the most shocking revelations includes attempted suicides broadcast live on TikTok, as well as extreme acts like flushing an ex’s ashes down the toilet during a livestream. These moments raise urgent questions about the impact of social media fame on young people’s mental health and the ethical limits of content creation.

Tiek Tok Boem! has ignited a national debate about TikTok’s influence on youth culture in South Africa. It forces viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth about how social media can amplify both creativity and chaos — and where the line between fame and catastrophe lies before it all goes too far.

For anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of modern digital culture, especially within South Africa’s Afrikaans-speaking youth, this 90-minute documentary is a must-watch. It’s an eye-opening, sometimes heartbreaking, and always compelling portrayal of a digital world that’s as fascinating as it is frightening.

In summary:

If you want to see the full story behind the viral chaos and the human cost behind those addictive TikTok feeds, Tiek Tok Boem! is the documentary to watch in 2025.