Thandiswa Kheswa, known online as Gee Careswa, turned a random moment in her kitchen into a global dance challenge. For most people, the kitchen is for cooking but for Thandiswa Kheswa, it’s where viral moments are born. The 23-year-old content creator from Umlazi, is the dance creator behind the ‘nakamaphoyisa’ dance challenge that has racked up millions of views and crossed continents on TikTok.
“I was scrolling through TikTok when I came across the nakamaphoyisa sound,” Thandiswa recalls. “As I listened, I started mapping out different parts and moves in my head, and I pieced together a full routine that felt unique and fun to do. Once I had it down, it made sense to film and post it straight away.” The results were effortless, authentic, and instantly shareable. The kitchen, the sound, and that moment of inspiration all came together and that’s how the challenge started.
When a Local Move Goes Global
Thandiswa knew things had shifted when she started seeing strangers join in. Popular South African creators like ThickDudle Babyfacewomdanso, Sphokuhle, M Kanello, Mandy, and Gloria were among the first to jump on it. But the real “this is viral” moment came when her DMs filled with videos from outside South Africa. “Boys and girls in China, Asia, and other countries were posting their videos. That’s when it hit me this had gone international.”
#Nakamaphoyisa
Famous content creators dancing to Gee_Careswa’s dance challenge.
She didn’t plan for it to blow up. The post was casual, like any other. What pushed it further was her sister Mandisa Kheswa who is also a digital creator known as Mandy Careswa (Sawubona Bhoza Yami) online, who reposted it consistently until other creators picked it up. “It was a mix: the initial post was luck and timing, but my sister’s support and reposts gave it the push it needed,” Thandiswa says. “You can create something good, but having people believe in it and share it is what helps it reach further.”
Thandiswa Kheswa (Gee_Careswa), Nankamaphoyisa dance creator
The Unseen Work Behind a 15-Second Video
Behind the smooth moves is a full-time job most people don’t see. Thandiswa’s Tuesdays start with trend research and content planning. Afternoons and evenings are spent filming in her kitchen her creative space. Then come hours of voiceovers and editing to get the timing, cuts, and sound right.
“It’s long hours and a lot of behind-the-scenes work, but it doesn’t feel like a regular 9-5,” she says. For every one video that goes live, she films 5-10 takes. 60% end up as drafts or failed takes, 30% are outfit and lighting tests, and only 10% make it to her page. And yes, sound matters. “Sound on, 100%. Audio is still king on TikTok in 2026,” she says. The first 0.5 seconds is the hook, the audio gives discoverability, and the dance ties it together. Post without sound, and you lose most of your reach.
From Hobby to Hustle
The viral moment changed things fast. Brands started sliding into her DMs, some she never expected. “Smirnoff is one of my favourites,” she says. Her first paid campaign was the turning point. “When the payment came through, it felt real like content creation wasn’t just a hobby anymore. I bought myself a pair of kicks I had been eyeing, and I spent some of it with my mom and family.”
But not all brand outreach makes the cut. Thandiswa has a clear boundary: she only takes on paid collaborations. “Exposure doesn’t pay bills,” she says bluntly. “Green flag brands know that paying creators is how you get authentic, high-quality content that actually moves the needle.”
She shares her biggest frastration with brands which is micromanaging the creative. “They’ll hire a Gen Z creator for being authentic, then send over a script that sounds like a corporate ad. It never lands, because it doesn’t sound like me, and my audience can tell instantly.” Her advice: give the brief, the key message, and the non-negotiables, then let the creator translate it into their voice.
What’s Next for Gee Careswa?
Thandiswa isn’t stopping at viral dances. Her headline for next year is clear: “Thandiswa Kheswa lands global brand deals and starts choreographing for young people.”
Beyond more international collaborations, she wants to use her platform to mentor young people in Umlazi and beyond. “It’s not just about being in front of the camera. It’s about creating opportunities for the next generation to learn, express themselves, and see that this path is possible for them too.”
Her advice to other creators is “Keep showing up and posting, even when it feels small. Don’t wait for permission to start, the people who need your energy are already watching. Your culture and voice are what make you stand out.”
