“This Generation Is Funny”: Man Sings ‘Amagwinya Aphelile’ As Lullaby for His Baby, Mzansi Reacts

• A TikTok dad went viral after he rocked his baby to sleep while singing a song usually tied to food cravings in South Africa
• The original track reflected on the pain of missing out on vetkoek, but the father’s playful use of it as a lullaby had Mzansi in stitches
• Viewers praised the dad’s humour and creativity, showing how music and culture can turn into lighthearted solutions for everyday parenting moments

South Africans laughed and related after a father used a viral TikTok song about vetkoek as a lullaby for his baby, turning culture and humour into a parenting win.

On 17 September 2025, TikTok user @julian_fromtiktok posted a video that quickly went viral, gaining over 119,000 likes and more than 2,900 comments in just two days. In the clip, the young father rocked his baby to sleep while singing Amagwinya Aphelile, a trending TikTok song by Darwin Rev.

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He explained that he forgot the usual nursery rhymes, so he decided to improvise with the popular tune instead. To his surprise, the unconventional lullaby worked, and his little one soon drifted off to sleep.

The song Amagwinya Aphelile is based on vetkoek, or amagwinya, a golden-fried South African comfort food that holds deep cultural meaning. In many townships, people often feel disappointment when a vendor runs out of fat cakes, and the song tapped into that familiar experience. The artist Darwin Rev, known more for his rock music, created the track as a way to reflect those emotions and connect with everyday life in Mzansi.

A trending TikTok song turned into a lullaby

In recent weeks, countless TikTok users related to the track, calling it both hilarious and oddly accurate. By transforming that song into a lullaby, @julian_fromtiktok brought the humour full circle, leaving viewers laughing at the clever twist while also relating to the parenting hack.

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The video drew thousands of comments from amused netizens, many saying they would try the trick themselves. Others praised the father for his creativity, noting how South Africans often use humour and music to handle everyday challenges. Many agreed that whether it was nursery rhymes or viral TikTok hits, what mattered most was the bond between parent and child.

The moment highlighted not only the universal struggles of parenting but also how South Africans always find joy in the small things. From vetkoek shortages to bedtime routines, the video reminded viewers that laughter, music and culture often go hand in hand.

South Africans reacted with laughter and love

Poorestofthepoor shared:

"It started when he sang amagwinya to me."

Guy wrote:

"Abasekho abelungu eSouth Africa baphelile. 😭😭"

Manana_ND added:

"I'd also go to sleep (with a broken heart) if I'm told amagwinya aphelile. 🤞🏾"

NSM added:

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"Bro, you know how painful that sentence is? 😭😭 That time you've already made tea. 😭😭😭"

Bongo Mbali Ntentile said:

"At least I'm not alone. Found myself singing the national anthem. 😭🤣😂"

MawawaZee said:

"I sing soft kitty, warm kitty. 😭"

Pelokazi Skati Sapo shared:

"That baby said, since amagwinya ephelile, I might as well go to sleep. 😭😭"

Lerdy wrote:

"Such a sad thing to sing to a child... 😩 Phela, that sentence angers so many South Africans. 😂"

Check out the TikTok video below:

Here's another wholesome clip of the present father:

3 other Briefly News stories about magwinya

• A young South African musician made waves online after he dropped a very random song about amagwinya.
• A popular American food reviewer visited SA and decided to try magwinya after locals kept recommending the traditional fried bread to him.
• A university student shared that she sells magwinya at res to support herself financially, and South Africans applauded it.

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Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News