On TikTok, one trend is rapidly gaining popularity with nearly 50 million views. Similarly, on Youtube, the trend has surpassed 10 million views and on Instagram, it has amassed over 600 thousand likes. The creator of this viral trend is Bodo Wartke, a musical cabaret artist, whose followers are increasing exponentially across all platforms. This success can be attributed to the catchy ballet he created with producer Marti Fischer, known as “Barbara’s Rhubarb Pie”.
According to Deutsch Welle, a German site, the key to the trend’s virality lies in the language used and the devices chosen, making it a difficult tongue-twister even for native speakers. The spread of this trend can be traced back to two Australian music students who were drawn in by the catchy rhythm and expressiveness of the creators. Their performance was shared widely on TikTok, sparking a chain reaction of imitations and word-of-mouth sharing.
In Germany, tongue twisters are a rich tradition of language games, often starting with just a single word. The song “Barbara’s Rhubarb Pie” plays on the repetitiveness and alternation of syllables, adding humor and known phrases for the public to enjoy. This trend has roots in Wartke’s desire to create a comical piece that could catch on social media, using German language sounds and rhymes to engage a global audience.
Wartke’s goal is to breathe new life into the art of tongue-twisters by musicalizing the German language, making it more enjoyable and accessible to a wider audience. Despite the complexities of the German language, the catchy beats and sounds of the tongue-twister have resonated with people worldwide, much like the music of renowned artists like Eminem. The success of “Barbara’s Rhubarb Pie” proves that language barriers can be bridged through shared enjoyment of music and humor.