Double Dare

Everything is better in pairs – just ask Munah Bagharib and Hirzi Zulkiflie. Thirteen years on from breaking the internet, the former comedic duo interview each other on healing through laughter, growing through music and the importance of true inclusion

It all started with a dare – well, ten to be exact. Exhilarating, nerve-wrecking and sidesplittingly hilarious, Munah Bagharib and Hirzi Zulkiflie first introduced themselves to the world in 2008. What ensued was a YouTube takeover of mammoth proportions, catapulting the former schoolmates from guerilla-style online creators to bonafide stars. The match that lit the fire? A viral series titled “10 Dares”, which documented the pair surprising the odd passerby with unflinching, in-your-face antics.

Thirteen years on, both Bagharib and Zulkiflie have amassed a reel of characters with a cause. Amongst them, feisty domestic worker Leticiacia and a nosy macik, just two of the many caricatures that have helped lift the veil on modern day prejudices. Perhaps most synonymous with their YouTube channel Munah and Hirzi Official, however, is the duo’s take on some of the biggest music videos of our time: Minahconda (Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda), Minah Funk (Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk) as well as Beyonce’s Formation.

Fast forward to present day and the pair – who professionally parted ways in 2018 – have shown no signs of slowing down. Solo projects and a new viral Cardi B-inspired video later, it’s clear that the very no-holds-barred charm that won netizens over a decade ago hasn’t worn off in the least. As for the music video we’re hoping they’ll take a stab at next? The Thelma and Louise-esque Best Friend. In the words of Doja Cat and Saweetie: “That my best friend, she a real bad…”

Hirzi: Looking back, why was it so important for us to establish the platform we have today?