In the fast-moving world of South African social media, few personalities have sparked as much fascination and division as Chris Excel (@ChrisExcel102). With over 3.3 million followers, he dominates digital conversations, boldly calling himself the “President of Black Twitter” and even jokingly the nation’s “only legal catfish.”

Loved by supporters for his sharp wit and fearless commentary, yet criticized for cyberbullying and trolling, Chris Excel’s journey is a case study in how online personas can influence culture, stir outrage, and command loyalty. This article unpacks the man behind the mask, his controversies, his impact, and the surprising turns in his digital legacy.

The Mystery of Identity: Who Is Chris Excel?

For years, the true identity of Chris Excel remained a closely guarded secret, adding to his online mystique. Eventually, reports revealed him as Azola Christopher Tabane, a man from Port Elizabeth.

His unmasking came during a heated feud with an OnlyFans content creator, who exposed personal details about his life. This revelation highlighted how fragile the boundary is between online personas and private realities. What was once just trolling and entertainment suddenly collided with real-world consequences.

The Bianca Coster Controversy: A Borrowed Face

Perhaps the most infamous chapter in Chris Excel’s online career revolves around his unauthorized use of Johannesburg influencer Bianca Coster’s photo as his profile picture.

For years, many mistakenly believed Coster was behind the controversial account, leading to personal and professional turmoil for her. She constantly faced awkward questions like, “Aren’t you that girl from Twitter?” and struggled to separate her identity from the troll account.

Coster’s distress was immense. She argued that Chris Excel could have chosen any image—“even a plant”—instead of using her face without consent. The situation drew attention to South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which classifies a person’s image as personal data requiring permission.

Eventually, under public and legal pressure, Chris Excel altered the image to make it more masculine. While this move ended the direct misuse, the damage had already shaped Coster’s career and highlighted the dark side of internet anonymity.

Trolling, Provocation, and the “President of Black Twitter” Persona

Chris Excel’s popularity stems largely from his sharp clapbacks, trolling, and provocative statements aimed at celebrities, politicians, and public figures.

He proudly embraces his title as “President of Black Twitter,” claiming to defend “ordinary tweeps” and men against what he sees as unfair “cancel culture.” His motto, “Hate doesn’t shake us,” captures his unapologetic approach.

But critics argue that his trolling often crosses into harmful territory. He has been accused of cyberbullying and was linked by some to the online harassment that preceded the tragic deaths of actor Patrick Shai and musician Riky Rick. These cases underline how digital rhetoric can deeply affect real lives.

Celebrity Feuds and Viral Moments

Chris Excel’s rise is peppered with countless viral clashes. He has publicly feuded with high-profile figures like Bonang Matheba, Pearl Thusi, Cassper Nyovest, AKA, and Mmusi Maimane.

One of his most memorable spats involved US preacher TD Jakes. After Jakes posted a new profile photo, Chris Excel made a crude comment in isiZulu. Jakes swiftly blocked him, turning the exchange into a viral moment. Ironically, the troll himself became the target of playful trolling from users who joked he would “never see heaven’s gates.”

These incidents reveal his unique ability to both provoke and entertain, ensuring that he remains a trending topic.

A Surprising Side: Chris Excel the Philanthropist

While widely known for controversy, Chris Excel has also shown unexpected acts of generosity. In 2022, he launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to honor KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for his fight against crime.

The campaign raised over R44,000, surpassing its initial target. Despite initial suspicions that he might misuse the money, General Mkhwanazi himself confirmed the funds were legitimate and requested they be donated to the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET).

This ensured the money would cover education costs for children of fallen police officers. For once, the “Twitter troll” became a vehicle for community upliftment, revealing a more complex dimension to his persona.

The Psychology of His Popularity: Why Chris Excel Resonates

Chris Excel’s rise mirrors broader social media trends in South Africa. Research shows users with a high “Need for Cognition”—those who enjoy debates and deep thinking—gravitate toward text-heavy, opinion-driven content.

Unlike influencers who rely on polished visuals, Chris Excel thrives on words, debates, and controversial takes, making him especially appealing to users who value intellectual sparring over surface-level aesthetics.

This strategy, coupled with consistency and relentless engagement, has kept him at the center of conversations despite constant backlash.

The Enigma That Is Chris Excel

Chris Excel remains one of South Africa’s most polarizing digital figures. To some, he is a voice for the voiceless, challenging power and offering unfiltered social commentary. To others, he embodies the dangers of online trolling, harassment, and identity misuse.

What is undeniable, however, is his cultural impact. From high-profile feuds to unexpected acts of charity, his presence reflects the complex, unpredictable, and often contradictory nature of digital influence.

In a country where social media is both a battleground and a stage, Chris Excel has carved out a role that is impossible to ignore. Whether loved or loathed, his story illustrates how online personas can shape real-world narratives, sparking both admiration and outrage in equal measure.