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TikTok has become well known for launching some unlikely trends, from Lizzo's uplifting dance challenge to the more gory trend based on Netflix's serial killer biopic, Dahmer.
But no one could have predicted a 15-year-old clip of an Orthodox Jewish boys' choir would blow up in quite the way it has.
A new TikTok account for the Miami Boys Choir started posting snippets of their concerts in September with TikTokers quickly noticing one of the tracks was incredibly catchy.
The Miami Boys Choir hashtag has had almost 148 million views since it first appeared less than two weeks ago.
Performing Yerushalayim at a 2008 concert, the choir captured the attention of TikTok users who have become entranced with the group's vocal abilities, choreography and even an impressive sax solo.
The TikTok user posted a snippet of the Yerushalayim performance, highlighting several standout solo performances, with the video then reshared via "stitches" and "duest" with other creators reacting to the concert.
Thousands of TikTokers described their 'For You Pages' (FYP) becoming inundated with Miami Boys Choir videos and that they have become obsessed with the catchy tune.
"Why did my entire fyp turn into Miami Boys Choir in a matter of seconds? I'm not mad about it," wrote one TikToker.
Comedian Rob Anderson added: "I am obsessed with the Miami Boys Choir and this bonus footage of Yerushalayim."
Another user explained the choir was like the K-Pop group, BTS: "MIAMI BOYS CHOIR ARE THE #BTS OF #Jewish people."
@miamiboyschoir ???? after 40+ years of performance excellence, here were 4 soloists who helped usher in big changes for the Miami Boys Choir - the beginning of the Gen-Z generation of MBC’s worldwide fans and followers (2008-2012) #vocals #solo #performance #israel #ישראל #מוסיקה #music #jewish
♬ original sound - Yerachmiel Begun and MBC
Formed in 1976 by Yerachmiel Begun — who also makes a surprise appearance in the viral video — the Miami Boys'Choir has gone on to become one of the preeminent groups along with the Yeshiva Boys Choir.
Jewish boys' choirs gained popularity in the 1970s and became a popular solution to allow Orthodox Jewish men to listen to singers while still adhere to the common interpretation of the Jewish law, "kol isha," which bans men from hearing non-familial women singing.
Begun moved the choir to New York a few years after its formation, and many of its choir members come from New York or New Jersey.
He described the historical 2008 concert as a "new-age update to the MBC world of performing."
The show celebrated Miami Boys Choir's album Yavo and saw every choir member hold an individual microphone for the first time.
Some of the songs performed included, "We Turn to You", "Galeh", "Esa Ainai", "Ayom V'nora," and the most popular song, "Yavo."
Amid their new TikTok fame, some of the singers from the video have reunited as adults to relive their iconic performance.
"Once a Miami Boy, always a Miami Boy," wrote the singers, some of whom had formed a Jewish a cappella group called The Maccabeats.
Standout soloist David Herskowitz even created a TikTok account after the video went viral to show he's still got his amazing singing skills.
"The name's Herskowitz. David Herskowitz," he wrote on his first video.
Miami Boys Choir videos can be rented to view for 72 hours or fans can sign up for a 12-month subscription.
Newsweek reached out Yerachmiel Begun for comment.
About the writer
Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more