In the ever-evolving landscape of internet culture, trends and phenomena emerge and capture the collective attention of millions around the globe. Two such phenomena that have recently taken the internet by storm are the “African Lore” and “China Lore.”
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, Twitter (now known as X), or Facebook, chances are you’ve encountered these hilarious comedy sketch videos that have been affectionately labeled as “Africa lore” and “China lore.” Despite their distinct origins, these two trends have grown into something more significant, entertaining countless viewers and leaving them eager for the next lore.
The Common Thread: A Musical Twist and Fast-Paced Editing
One common thread that binds the African Lore and China Lore on TikTok is their unique editing style. These videos are typically sped up versions of the original content, accompanied by background music that is repeatedly used in all of the videos giving it a unique sense of identity.
Anime enthusiasts will recognize the familiar tunes, with African lore videos often featuring anime songs like “The WORLD” by Nightmare from Death Note and “Unravel” from Tokyo Ghoul, and while China lore occasionally uses those same songs, they predominantly using “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Song” by The Living Tombstone.
African Lore: Origins and Evolution
The African Lore (sometimes called the Africa Lore) is phenomenon owes its existence to Sean Bridon, a Gabonese content creator and comedian. Bridon’s viral videos, often featuring him and his friends in offbeat sketches, gained immense popularity on platforms like Facebook. However, it was TikTok that propelled his content into the spotlight, where these videos were shared and reimagined as the African Lore.
The central character in these sketches is a little person, often portrayed as the protagonist, engaging in comedic situations. Another central character to this lore is the antagonist jealous man who always tries to beat the little person in whatever challenge they find themselves doing. A recurring mysterious character, the “Rastaman,” intermittently graces the lore with his presence, adding an element of intrigue to the narrative.
@africanlore42 #humor #lore #anime #africalore #africanlore
♬ the world speed up – strawarea
China Lore: Origins and Evolution
The “China Lore” phenomenon originated with GuiGe, a prominent YouTube creator known for his innovative storytelling. At the core of this captivating trend are two key characters: the Genius Son, celebrated for his ingenious problem-solving, and the Detective Mom, who seamlessly shifts between her detective role and becoming an overpowered character in each episode, always acquiring new invincible abilities in each lore. The presence of a big friend, the Genius Son’s trusty accomplice, adds comedic charm of their friendship.
GuiGe’s imaginative videos gained momentum on TikTok when it was edited and reimagined by other creators, giving rise to the widespread “China Lore” trend.
@lusoni2 ♬ It’s Been So Long – The Living Tombstone
Forging a New Comedy Genre
What’s truly remarkable about both the African Lore and China Lore is their ability to communicate humor and evoke smiles without the need for spoken dialogue. Despite originating from videos with diverse languages, these lores have transcended linguistic barriers, delivering laughter to audiences worldwide.
This phenomenon draws a parallel to the timeless comedies of the past. Just as Charlie Chaplin defined humor for the 1930s and Mr. Bean dominated the 1990s, the African Lore and China Lore seem poised to define new internet comedy for the 2020s.
The evolution of comedy is an art that adapts to the shifting landscapes of technology and culture. These lores, with their global appeal and ability to convey humor through visual storytelling, exemplify the next chapter in this comedic evolution. As we navigate the digital age, the African Lore and China Lore reveals the power of creativity, transcending boundaries and uniting the world in laughter.
So, the next time you stumble upon one of these videos on TikTok or your social media feed, remember that you’re not just watching a sketch – you’re witnessing the birth of a new evolved type of comedy, where humor knows no linguistic limits.
