Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom | 17 October 2025
Nelson Mandela Square came alive with lights, music, and excitement as Netflix hosted the official launch of its latest South African drama, Bad Influencer. The vibrant event brought together the show’s cast, content creators, and fans in a high-energy celebration that blended pop culture, social media, and storytelling in spectacular fashion.
The open-air square buzzed with anticipation as the Bad Influencer cast made their grand entrance, engaging directly with fans, posing for selfies, and giving a glimpse into what promises to be one of Netflix’s most talked-about African productions.
The Takeover: Live, Loud, and Digital
At 1 PM, Netflix staged a live TikTok takeover, complete with on-site interviews, fan interactions, and sneak peeks from the new series. The audience cheered as stars shared behind-the-scenes moments and reflected on the show’s journey from script to screen. Social media lit up within minutes — with hashtags like #NetflixBadInfluencer trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram as attendees posted photos and videos from the buzzing square.
One fan summed it up best: “The #BadInfluencer launch at Nelson Mandela Square feels like a movie premiere and street festival rolled into one!”
A Show That Reflects the Times
Created by Kudi Maradzika, Bad Influencer explores the glitzy yet treacherous world of social media fame and deception. The series delves into how far people are willing to go for online validation — and what happens when influence turns dangerous. Netflix’s decision to debut the show in the heart of Johannesburg reflects its commitment to local storytelling and its growing investment in Africa’s entertainment landscape.
Highlights From the Launch
- Meet-and-Greet Magic: The cast mingled freely with fans, sharing laughs, signing autographs, and taking countless selfies.
- Live Performances & TikTok Moments: The event blended live entertainment with social media buzz, letting fans stream the action in real time.
- Creators and Celebs Unite: Influencers, media personalities, and industry insiders came out in force, transforming Nelson Mandela Square into the epicentre of pop culture for the day.
Beyond the Premiere
More than just a red-carpet launch, the Bad Influencer event underscored Netflix’s evolving role in championing African talent and stories. It wasn’t merely about promoting a show — it was about celebrating a new wave of creative energy and giving fans an experience to remember.
As one of the most dynamic premieres Johannesburg has seen this year, Bad Influencer’s launch proved that South African storytelling is ready to take on the global stage — one stream, one post, and one fan at a time