“Mama Mariah Carey”: Singing Mother Entering Classroom on Child’s Birthday Divides SA

• A woman went to her daughter's school and sang her way into the classroom for her child's birthday
• She came with a cake and balloons and read a letter to her daughter in front of her classmates
• Some people online thought it was a great display of love, while others thought it would have embarrassed the girl

A mother revealed the moment she entered her daughter's classroom with cake and balloons for her 12th birthday, loudly singing her version of the popular 1987 South African song I Love You Daddy by Ricardo. While some people found the gesture heartwarming, others thought it was unnecessary.

Taking to her TikTok account on 2 February 2026, the singing mother showed a clip of herself walking up to her daughter's desk as her classmates watched. The 12-year-old wiped away her tears and then listened to her mother's special letter, which the woman read to her in front of the class.

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A portion of the letter read:

"This is from Mom and Dad. Please make us proud by being a good, respectful, and loving child that you are."

Watch the TikTok video below:

Singing mother causes a stir online

The viral video, which garnered nearly four million views since its publication, received tens of thousands of comments from social media users, both for and against her actions.

@bhutibrian1 wrote under the post:

"At school, in class, in front of other kids. Why?"

@khord007 told the online community:

"This is so sweet and embarrassing at the same time."

@tumelo.mogale added their opinion in the comment section:

"She's going to have difficult schooling days because of Mama Mariah Carey."

@devine.favour said to the woman:

"She will never forget this for the rest of her life. As parents, we are proud of you, Mom."

An emotional @mom_masechaba remarked:

"I'm crying. This is beautiful. You have a good voice, Mom."

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A curious @nat_dabratt_ wondered:

"Did you ask her if she’s crying because she’s embarrassed or because she loves it?"

3 Other stories about moments in the classroom

• In another article, Briefly News reported that a teacher from Soweto transformed her classroom with items she bought from Temu.
• A Grade 12 teacher rocked up to an empty classroom after her learners agreed to attend extra lessons during the school holiday.
• A dedicated teacher created a joyful moment in her classroom by joining her learners in a spirited dance routine.

Source: Briefly News