Photo of Thekgo Raseala

‘Helen Zille’ participating in ‘Hotel Lobby’ trend draws fierce criticism

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng X account posted an AI clip of politicians Helen Zille and Ashor Sarupen participating in the Hotel Lobby trend, resulting in outrage.

Also see: Helen Zille takes a swipe at Joburg’s poor service delivery with viral middle finger

The trend sees people posting AI clips of themselves copying the Colors performance by American rappers Quavo and the late Takeoff.

“Gogo wouldn’t miss the Migos trend”

The DA posted the video with a light-hearted caption: “Gogo wouldn’t miss the Migos trend,” while appealing to voters and reminding them not to miss signing up as a DA volunteer for Election Day.

People were undoubtedly unimpressed by the video.


Also see: WATCH | Helen Zille makes waves with Joburg pothole swim amid service delivery concerns

South Africans tell DA to “read the room”

A few X users in the comment section pointed out various issues the country is facing and found the clip distasteful. One commenter pointed out the water crisis in Johannesburg, criticising their use of AI for the video.

Another pointed out how AI generation has been replacing real qualified South African artists.

Ntsiki Mazwai comments on video

The conversation delved deeper into why many users found the video offensive and questioned the reasoning behind participating in the trend. Media personality Ntsiki Mazwai also shared her perspective.

“When your African leaders speak to White voters, they address them with dignity and respect. When your White leaders address you, they swim in potholes, put on boxing costumes and dance to hip hop music.”

Also see: Helen Zille’s AI dance clip sends South African social media into a spin

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