In a move no one saw coming but everyone secretly hoped for, Mxit – the instant messaging app from the early 2000s – is officially back.
The beloved South African mobile social network is making a comeback in a big way. With a few modern tweaks and changes, the site remains just as gritty and nostalgic as ever: grainy profile photos, status updates and hopeful flirting.
“Mxit never really left. It’s been in our hearts and we just waited for the right time for it to come back. And that time is now. Because honestly — have you seen what social media has become?” says Herman, co-founder and now Head of UX at the newly rebooted Mxit.
The revival is driven by a small but devoted team, including Intern Jeff, whose passion for the project stemmed from a deeply emotional tale about meeting ‘the love of his life’ in a 2008 Mxit chatroom called Bokkies4Lyf_WC. She ghosted him after a week, but the dream? That never faded.
Although the site bears a nostalgic resemblance to its previous incarnation, the modern enhancements we’ve discussed are particularly timely for South Africans. Beta testers of the new site make excited mention of a seriously helpful feature that ‘somehow knows your neighbourhood’s vibe and Eskom status’.
Mxit was interpersonal, a movement of interconnectedness and community; something we have been subconsciously craving for a very long time.
The team behind the Mxit comeback is passionate about the project and full of pixel-heart love.
They believe South Africans are ready to connect again in a raw, heartfelt way. Simply. Through their phones. Like it’s 2007.
Mxit is back in a major way. Tell your friends, pull out your Motorola Razr, set your status and vibe accordingly.
First published by Cape {town} etc
Compiled by Kate Wilson
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