Have you come across videos of a young African boy?
In the videos, he's always seen wearing a pair of blue hole shoes and holding a doll that closely resembles himself. With his highly recognizable features and a calm demeanor far beyond his years, he has captured the attention of countless viewers. He is the twelfth child of a tribal chief in Côte d'Ivoire, affectionately nicknamed "Africa's Twelfth Son" by Chinese netizens.
So, why has he become so popular? His innocent yet composed expression resonates deeply with viewers. What really propelled his fame, though, is when netizens photoshopped him into various kingly and video game character memes, creating a flood of reaction GIFs and stickers. In no time, he became a viral sensation.
But what impact has his sudden fame had?
On one hand, it's sparked real commercial buzz. In just one day, there were over 200,000 related posts online, sales of similar blue hole shoes skyrocketed by 300%, and merchants quickly launched various themed toys and merchandise.
On the other hand, it's grown into a unique cultural phenomenon. For many Chinese netizens, watching his videos has become a form of virtual parenting and emotional relief.
Through the vlogger's lens, viewers also catch glimpses of African villages — from newly installed streetlights to water pumps — made possible with Chinese aid. This has become an unexpected window into grassroots China-Africa friendship.
Of course, the hype hasn't been without controversy. For example, some videos included interactions catering to viewers' curiosity, such as checking if the boy was wearing underwear. These moments have led to concerns about whether the boy's personal boundaries are being respected and how overexposure might affect his growth.
What are your thoughts on the sudden rise in popularity of "Africa's Twelfth Son"?
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