This time in 2020, many South Africans were craving nicotine. They had been without liquor and cigarettes since March. When the hard lockdown was extended, so was the ban on alcoholic drinks and nicotine products.
Nicotine products banned:
While some were suffering withdrawal effects, others used the time to get creative.
The SABC spoke to DJ and Producer Max Hurrell about his YouTube video that blew the world away exactly one year ago.
An ordinary media briefing by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, turned into a viral hit on social media almost overnight. The clip was made by 24-year old Cape Town DJ and music producer, Hurrell. The cool, smooth harmony is easy on the ear, catchy, and has a chilled vibe.
Hurrell’s video led to several videos, memes and parodies which he says gave South Africans something to laugh about while under strict lockdown.
“My income came from playing shows. When COVID hit, it kind of just demotivated me quite a bit because obviously no shows so I had to figure out another plan for income obviously. And then you know the creativity bug hit me again and I just couldn’t stay away. I realised that people needed a laugh now more than ever. I saw the press conference or media briefing when Dlamini-Zuma said that quote (when people zol); immediately I just heard the song and then went for it,” he says.
Hurrell says when Dlamni-Zuma contacted him regarding the song, he was scared.
“I wasn’t sure. Hey, I just know that she has a lot of power you know; I’m just me. It did concern me a bit just not really knowing what could happen. Once the Minister actually messaged me, then I realised that there was a respect factor rather than like a slap on the wrist. I didn’t touch her voice, I just made a song around exactly what she said so I was relieved. The way I did things and the way I grew my brand in relation to this song and the virility is in a way that is going to be long lasting.”
Two of the videos, the original by Max Hurrell and a remix by the group The Kiffness have had 1.2 million and 1.6 million views respectively and are still getting likes and shares locally and internationally.
