Tung Tung Tung Sahur: Inside the Viral TikTok Meme of Ramadan 2025

The bizarre and humorous “Tung Tung Tung Sahur” TikTok meme has taken 2025 by storm. This article explores the origins, meaning, and global spread of the meme—highlighting how it blends AI‑generated horror with cultural tradition during Ramadan.

Table of Contents

1. Background & Cultural Roots
2. Origins of the Meme
3. Symbols & Meaning
4. How It Spread on Social Media
5. Variations & Spin-Offs
6. Controversies & Debates
7. Cultural Impact & Legacy
8. FAQ

Background & Cultural Roots

“Tung Tung Tung Sahur” draws from Indonesian practice of using traditional wooden drums—or kentongan—to wake people before dawn during Ramadan.

The character is part of a broader “Italian brainrot” meme aesthetic that surfaced via AI-generated surreal creatures—like “Tralalero Tralala” and “Bombardiro Crocodilo”—before merging with Ramadan folklore :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Origins of the Meme

The first known TikTok upload came from user @noxaasht on February 28, 2025. It featured a creepy wooden humanoid holding a bat, accompanied by a haunting voice‑over describing a creature that punishes those who ignore the Sahur wake‑up call :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

This short clip went viral within weeks—accumulating over 31 million views and 2.4 million likes :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Symbols & Meaning

The repetition “Tung Tung Tung” mimics the sound of the kentongan used to wake people up. “Sahur” refers to the pre-dawn Ramadan meal :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

The meme’s core idea: if someone is called for Sahur three times and doesn’t answer, this creature appears to scare them into getting up—with comedic exaggeration:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

How It Spread on Social Media

After the original TikTok, the trend exploded:

• Reposted widely—TikTok videos from creators like @markcannatarofilms and meme compilations :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Spin-off “Tung Tung Tung Sahur Funk” sound‑clips :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Global spread, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia, with localized versions :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Variations & Spin‑Offs

Fans and creators developed variations quickly:

• AI-generated edits with different characters encountering “Tung”
• Cartoon animations and stylized edits using AI :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Meme mash-ups with other Ramadan reminders or spooky humor

Controversies & Debates

Though playful, some netizens raised concerns:

• Potential misrepresentation of Ramadan customs
• Ties to the “Italian brainrot” genre with possibly insensitive content :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Questions on whether the meme is blasphemous or crosses cultural lines :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Still, many have embraced the trend as light-hearted creativity around cultural tradition.

Cultural Impact & Legacy

By May 2025, plans were announced for a potential film adaptation by Indonesian studio Dee Company :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

Academics note how “Tung Tung Tung Sahur” illustrates modern meme culture's fusion of AI, folklore, and global connectivity.

FAQ

What exactly does “Tung Tung Tung Sahur” mean?

It’s an onomatopoeic chant: “Tung Tung Tung” (drum sound) and “Sahur” (pre‑dawn meal). It suggests waking up for Sahur—or else a spooky AI creature appears :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

Is it disrespectful to Ramadan?

Mostly not—many users regard it as humor that encourages Sahur attendance. But a few express concern over mixing religious tradition with horror."Ticklish" but largely accepted.

Can I create my own “Tung Tung Tung Sahur” video?

Yes. Use TikTok’s effect tools or AI filters to recreate the drum character, pairing it with the audio and Sahur references. Tagging proper credits to @noxaasht is appreciated.

Why is it part of “Italian brainrot”?

The visual style—AI-generated, surreal characters—is reminiscent of trending Italian "brainrot" figures like Tralalero Tralala. This version adapted it for Ramadan context :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

Conclusion

“Tung Tung Tung Sahur” is a perfect storm of cultural tradition, viral audio phrase, and AI-driven novelty. While born from absurdity, it resonates with many during Ramadan for its humor and creativity.

Want more? Let me know and I’ll build out:

• Side‑by‑side video trend comparisons
• Creator tips and templates
• Long‑form storytelling-style breakdowns

 

Tags： Tung Tung Tung Sahur  TikTok  Meme