Spinning in South Africa: The skill, The speed, and The Spirit

Spinning culture in South Africa is more than just a motorsport — it’s an art form, a cultural movement, and a powerful expression of community pride. What began as an underground tribute at township funerals has evolved into a thrilling and competitive spectacle that blends skill, creativity, and raw adrenaline.

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Recently featured on David Blaine: Do Not Attempt (now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu), spinning took the spotlight as South African drivers Samkeliso “SamSam” Thubane and Kayla Oliphant demonstrated the extreme precision and control the sport demands. As international audiences watched in awe, spinning proved why it deserves recognition as one of the continent’s most intense motorsports.

What is spinning?

Spinning is a high-octane motorsport where drivers perform stunts in modified cars, usually older BMWs, in circular motions known as “donuts.” What sets spinning apart is the driver’s ability to exit the car mid-spin — sometimes even dancing or performing acrobatics — before jumping back in, all while the vehicle continues to spin.

This sport takes nerves of steel, lightning-fast reflexes, and complete control over both body and machine. It’s loud, fast, and fearless — and it’s deeply rooted in South African township culture.

The cultural roots of spinning

Spinning has strong origins in Johannesburg’s townships, especially Soweto and Katlehong, where it emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. Originally used to honour fallen gang members or community heroes during funerals, the sport has grown into a recognised urban tradition.

Today, it’s a celebration of resilience and identity. Spinning events attract hundreds of spectators who come to witness daring stunts, feel the roar of the engines, and support local spinners making names for themselves on national and now global stages.

Sam and Kayla: masters of the art

The Netflix-featured segment with SamSam and Kayla shows just how physically demanding spinning is. David Blaine, no stranger to danger, was visibly shocked by how much the sport challenges your body.

“It’s not just about controlling the car. It’s about controlling yourself,” Blaine says during the episode — a statement that perfectly captures the heart of spinning.

Both SamSam Thubane and Kayla Oliphant have become influential figures in the spinning world. They represent a new generation of skilled drivers who are breaking stereotypes and putting African motorsport on the global map.

Why spinning deserves the spotlight

Spinning is more than entertainment. It provides opportunities for youth, creates jobs, and builds a strong sense of community. In a country where unemployment and crime remain challenges, spinning gives young people a platform to express themselves through skill, passion, and performance.

With increased visibility through global platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, spinning may finally gain the international recognition it deserves. There’s potential for professional leagues, sponsorships, and tourism to grow around this unique and thrilling cultural sport.

South Africa’s spinning culture is fast, fierce, and full of heart. As the world begins to take notice, drivers like SamSam and Kayla are proving that spinning is not just a sport — it’s a lifestyle, a legacy, and a celebration of community spirit.

Whether you’re a local fan or a curious newcomer, one thing’s for sure: once you experience spinning, you’ll never forget it.