Google’s Year in Search 2024 report has given us a fascinating look at what captivated South Africa’s attention over the past year. From music tracks that rocked the charts to major sporting events and the highs and lows of South African politics, the search data offers a glimpse into the collective consciousness of the nation. Here’s a breakdown of the top trending searches and what they reveal about the year gone by.
Demure: A Word Reimagined
One of the year’s most unexpected trends in South Africa was the rise of the word “demure.” Historically associated with conservative femininity, the term has seen a revival, especially in the context of fashion and social media. It was sparked by a viral TikTok trend, which led to a wider conversation about challenging societal expectations. The word “demure” became synonymous with self-expression and individuality, marking a shift in how traditional concepts of femininity are perceived today.
Music and Entertainment: Tshwala Bami and Inside Out 2
In the world of music, Tshwala Bami – an amapiano track by S.N.E and EeQue – took South Africa by storm, emerging as the year’s most searched song. Its record-breaking 100 million streams within just a month of release cemented its position as a global hit. Meanwhile, in the realm of film, Inside Out 2 became the top-searched movie, drawing South Africans back to the emotional world of Pixar’s animated characters. On the TV front, Baby Reindeer topped the list, with audiences tuning in to watch the drama unfold on their screens.
The Losses Felt Most in 2024
This year was also marked by significant losses in South Africa’s cultural landscape. Mpho Sebeng, a rising star in the local film industry, topped the list of most-searched losses. His untimely passing resonated deeply with the public, alongside the passing of global icons such as Liam Payne and local political figure Pravin Gordhan. These figures were not just personalities; they were part of the fabric that shaped South Africa’s entertainment and political sphere.
Sporting Glory and National Pride: AFCON Leads the Way
In sports, the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) was the dominant search trend. The tournament, held in Ivory Coast, saw Bafana Bafana’s impressive run to the knockout stages, igniting a wave of national pride. But South Africans were also keenly interested in other international sporting events, with Euro 2024 and the T20 World Cup making their mark. The country’s athletes were also in the spotlight, with mixed martial artist Dricus du Plessis and boxing legend Mike Tyson emerging as some of the top searched athletes of the year.
Political and Social Movements: IEC and the US Election
On the political front, the 2024 National Elections were a major search topic, with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) taking the top spot for events searched. South Africans’ curiosity extended beyond the national stage, as the results of the US presidential election also captured significant attention. The political landscape, both local and international, certainly kept people engaged.
The Year of Curiosity and Conversation
From AFCON to demure, Google’s 2024 Year in Search data paints a picture of a nation that is not just interested in entertainment but is also engaged in the broader social and political dialogues that shape its future. These search trends show that while South Africa’s interests remain diverse, there is a collective drive to stay informed, entertained, and connected to global events.
| Top 10 music searches in 2024 Malome Vector Shebeshxt Chris Brown Tyla P Diddy Tshwala Bami Kabza Chant Donald Imithandazo Ntate Stunna | Top searched losses in 2024 Mpho Sebeng Liam Payne Pravin Gordhan Connie Chiume Tito Mboweni Zanele Mbokazi Markus Jooste Aletta Bezuidenhout Dudu Myeni Solly Moholo | ||
| Top 10 most searched athletes in 2024 Dricus du Plessis Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul Lamine Yamal Ronwen Williams Akani Simbine Nico Williams Christian Horner Riyad Mahrez Rhulani Mokwena Tatjana Smith | Top 10 most searched movies in 2024 Inside Out 2 Bad Boys 4 Fool Me Once Movie Box Deadpool Damsel Divorce in Black Shogun Beekeeper Road House | Top most searched TV shows in 2024 Baby Reindeer Griselda Blanco Beauty in Black Menendez Brothers Gugu Mbatha-Raw Siphesihle Mokoena Ronnie Nyakale The Crow House of the Dragon Big Brother Mzansi 2024 | |
| Top 10 searches in 2024 AFCON IEC Alexandra Forbes Olympics 2024 US Election Results Demure Meaning NSFAS Application 2025 Matric Results 2024 Joslin Smith NHI | Top 10 sporting events searched in 2024 AFCON Euro 2024 T20 World Cup Bafana Bafana Olympics Betway Premiership COP America Australian Open 2024 Cape Verde Imane Khelif | Top 10 event searches in 2024 IEC US Election Results George Building Collapse Ballon d’or 2024 Dricus du Plessis fight Two Pot System ANC Coalition Crowdstrike Eastern Cape Floods Peanut Butter Recalled | |
For more information on Google’s Year in Search across the globe visit the Google’s trends site.
