With a Facebook following of more than 140 000, and a further 85 000 on TikTok, Julian Tsepo and Westiano Pholman can officially be dubbed online sensations.
The duo, aka Bubblegum and Boeta Jules, are short film makers from Langebaan.
Jules, 31, the founder of Young Hope Liberation (YHL), says his platform has grown beyond his expectations: “I started with YHL more than a year ago to provide a platform for creators and artists on the West Coast.
“Many in the city were busy with vlogs and I thought why not in Langebaan.
“I grabbed the opportunity to celebrate and liberate the youth,” he says, adding that his name and surname means young and hope.
@juliantsepo bubblegum
♬ original sound - Julian Tsepo
The two met when the Grade 1 learner came to the Three Corners set, a mini series of YHL, which 7-year-old Bubblegum’s parents starred in.
“We decided to use him in a scene and he did exceptionally well.
@juliantsepo laughs laughs
♬ original sound - Julian Tsepo
“Although it is scripted, he makes it lekker and brings life to the character with his cute face, attitude and voice.”
The two have become influencers and Jules manages Bubblegum’s shoots, event preparation, meet and greet with fans and collaborations.