Beatboxing Nun Goes Viral, Now Has 100K Followers On Instagram: Meet Sister Marizele Cassiano

A Brazilian nun's unexpected talent has taken the internet by storm, with her viral beatboxing performance inspiring millions and challenging stereotypes about religious life.

Sister Marizele Cassiano, a member of the Catholic congregation in Brazil, gained widespread attention after showcasing her musical skills on live television. Her spontaneous act of rhythm and dance not only captivated viewers but also opened a lively conversation about faith, modernity, and breaking traditional moulds.

The Moment That Went Viral

On 20 May 2025, during a broadcast on Brazil's Pai Eterno channel, Sister Marizele was talking about a vocational retreat when she suddenly began to sing. Without warning, she switched to making percussive sounds with her mouth, a skill known as beatboxing. As she rhythmically produced sounds, a second nun, Sister Marisa de Paula, started to dance beside her, and soon a priest joined in, swaying to the beat. The impromptu performance lasted only a few minutes but struck a chord with viewers worldwide.

Wearing her habit with a blue skirt and white top, Sister Marizele's seamless blend of traditional religious attire and modern musical expression surprised everyone. Her spontaneous rhythm, combined with the joyful dance of her colleagues, turned the broadcast into a lively spectacle. The video was shared widely across social media platforms, with viewers praising her for showing a different side of faith.

Social Media Reactions and Comparisons

Online reactions poured in almost instantly. Many users drew comparisons to the film franchise Sister Act, which features nuns singing and dancing in lively, humorous scenes. One comment read, 'I know Sister Act when I see it,' while another joked, 'They're dropping a Sister Act remake in 2025, huh?' Such remarks highlighted how the performance felt both familiar and refreshing.

Fans also reflected on the journey of nuns and priests, many of whom once loved music in their youth. Comments like 'It's great to see them showing off their talents' and 'Fun is not a sin' became common. The performance served as a reminder that faith and modern culture can coexist without conflict, sparking discussions about the evolving role of religious figures in the digital age.

The Inspiration Behind the Performance

Sister Marizele and Sister Marisa, both involved in promoting vocations, explained that their spontaneous act was natural and unplanned. Speaking to AP News, Sister Marizele said the moment was simple and surprising in its viral success. 'That moment was very spontaneous because with Sister Marisa, if you start a beat, she will dance,' she said.

Their main goal remains helping young people facing addiction, using music as a tool to reach out and connect. Sister Marizele emphasised that beatboxing and dancing are ways to communicate with those in need, making faith more accessible. She described the performance as a reflection of their belief that God can work through all forms of expression, even those that seem unconventional within religious circles.

From Brazil to Broader Audiences

The performance was so compelling that it was featured on US television's Morning Boost programme on 27 May 2025. Jenna Bush Hager shared the clip, with Carson Daly jokingly dubbing her 'Nun-D.M.C.'. Craig Melvin expressed disbelief, asking if it was real, while Jenna confirmed it was live from Catholic TV, and the nuns' talents caught global attention.

The clips continued to circulate, drawing praise from viewers who appreciated the humour and authenticity. Sister Marizele's Instagram account saw a surge in followers, surpassing 100,000 since her viral moment.