What began as a fun activity during their freshman year has transformed into a powerful platform where best friends Jade and Jadah uplift their community through laughter and empowerment. Now in their senior year, the duo is leveraging their influence to launch a scholarship fund for incoming freshmen navigating the college application process.
The pairing was a stroke of luck; Jade, a Compton native majoring in Advertising, and Jadah, a Chicago native studying Musical Theater, were randomly assigned as roommates at Howard University. They have been inseparable ever since.
The pair is best known to their 744,000 Instagram followers for their high-energy reenactments of iconic moments in Black culture—from R. Kelly’s infamous interview with Gayle King to Tyrese’s timeless “what more do you want from me” meme. Their talent even caught the attention of the industry, leading to a recent skit alongside Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers for the film H.I.M.
Despite their digital success, the duo remains remarkably grounded. They view their viral fame as a gift that requires humility. According to Jade, while they are grateful for their fanbase, they prioritize their faith, knowing that social media trends can be fleeting.
For both women, Howard University has been a place of profound transformation. Jade followed in the footsteps of her aunt, a 2011 alumna, while Jadah found that her path to Howard was a lesson in “blessings delayed, not denied.” They describe the HBCU experience as a unique environment that fosters Black excellence and a constant “hustle” mentality. Jadah notes that the creative energy on campus is a constant source of inspiration that pushes her to be more innovative.
Jade and Jadah recognize that attending a prestigious university is a privilege not afforded to everyone. While higher education is a personal choice, the financial barriers to simply applying to college can be a major hurdle for many Black and Brown students.
Last year, the pair decided to use their platform to alleviate this burden. Jade recalled feeling lucky to have had the means to apply to multiple schools, realizing many others are held back by application fees alone. This year, they will award three students $150 each to cover those initial costs. In their announcement, they noted that they wouldn’t be where they are without the opportunities Howard provided, and they want to ensure others have that same access.
Their creative process is more rigorous than it appears. To produce their viral skits, they must memorize scripts, master specific movements, and perfect accents and comedic timing. This level of detail has allowed them to breathe new life into classic Black cinema and pop culture moments that Gen-Z might otherwise overlook.
Jadah emphasizes that honoring these moments is essential, as the shows and movies of the past paved the way for the creators of today. While some assume their focus on Black culture is a calculated strategy, Jade explains that it’s simpler than that: they recreate what they find funny, fueled by what she calls the “it-factor” inherent in Black entertainment.
Balancing full-time studies with content creation is a demanding act. Conflicting schedules and the pressure to perform can sometimes lead to creative burnout. These challenges have prompted Jade and Jadah to look toward a future that feels more authentic to their evolving identities.
While they love the nostalgic joy their reenactments bring, they hope to use their Instagram success as a stepping stone. As they prepare for graduation, they are eager to venture out of their niche and explore digital creation that reflects the full depth of their creativity and professional aspirations. Their goal is to ensure their legacy is defined not just by virality, but by the community they helped build and support.