Babalwa M's viral performance: year-end fatigue or her signature style?

Every artist has a unique way of showcasing their craft, and Amapiano vocalist Babalwa M is one of them. 

Known for hits like “Amalobolo”, “Bo Thata”, and most recently “uValo”, the Amapiano songstress has the internet talking again, and this time over a viral video that shows her performing while sitting on a couch, looking completely unbothered.

The video, which was taken at a local club, quickly spread across social media, with fans sharing mixed reactions. Some felt it captured the spirit of year-end fatigue perfectly, while others argued that she is not respecting her craft.

The singer might have been sitting down, but the mic was on, and she definitely gave vocals; you wouldn’t tell if you weren't looking.

The comment section was filled with fans giving mixed reactions. One TikTok user, @Sparkle_, said: “Yoh people, do yall know how this year-end fatigue is showing us flames, we are all sitting at work tired, but we are still working. She is a singer, not a dancer, yes, but your posture plays a big role in your voice.”

Others, however, came to her defence, pointing out that the performance style was not new for her.

User @Lethabo wrote: “This was probably before her set. If you know her, you will know that before her set, she usually sings songs that are not part of her set while preparing to get on stage.”

Another commenter, @Nthabiseng, added: “Well, she usually starts her performance like this, she sits for 1st song and thereafter she performs.”

After looking into it, her fans are correct, and that’s exactly the case. Babalwa M is known for easing into her performances as she often begins her set sitting down before getting up to fully take over the stage.

Another video shows her sitting down at an East London club while effortlessly singing. So while the internet may have labelled it “year-end fatigue”, it’s actually part of her signature stage presence.

However, despite the criticism from fans, for some, it is hard not to relate the clip to the general exhaustion that hits everyone around this time of year.

The way she sang so effortlessly while sitting down was just a reminder to many that they continue even through the last quarter exhaustion.