A Brazilian nun has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide after a surprise musical performance that no one saw coming. Sister Marizele, dressed in her traditional blue skirt and white habit, stunned audiences when she showcased her beatboxing skills during a May 20 broadcast on a Catholic television program.
The moment, which has since gone viral, features Sister Marizele first singing before seamlessly transitioning into beatboxing — using only her mouth and tongue to create a rhythm that filled the room with energy. Her unexpected talent immediately sparked joy among her fellow clergy, with another nun joining in to dance, followed closely by a priest in full black robes busting a move alongside them.
The video, shared widely online and featured by NBC News, quickly became a viral sensation, drawing comparisons to the iconic Sister Act movies starring Whoopi Goldberg. In the hit film series, Goldberg’s character, a lounge singer hiding out in a convent, breathes new life into a group of nuns by transforming them into a soulful choir. The similarities were not lost on fans.
“I know Sister Act when I see it,” one viewer commented, clearly impressed by the joyful spontaneity of the moment. Another quipped, “They really dropping a Sister Act remake in 2025, huh?”
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The video also inspired thoughtful responses from fans who pointed out that clergy members often bring with them a rich variety of personal interests and talents. “People forget that nuns and priests were once teens with a love of music,” one person wrote. “I love seeing them share their amazing talents.”
The mood was summed up perfectly by a fan who simply said, “Fun is not a sin.”
The lighthearted moment even made it onto U.S. television. On the May 27 episode of the TODAY show, Jenna Bush Hager highlighted the clip during the “Morning Boost” segment, a part of the show reserved for stories that uplift viewers. Carson Daly couldn’t resist giving Sister Marizele a fitting nickname: “Nun-D.M.C.,” a play on the famous hip-hop group Run-D.M.C.
Fellow co-host Craig Melvin appeared incredulous as he watched the clip. “Is this real?” he asked.
“It’s real,” Jenna confirmed. “Live from Catholic TV, it’s a beatboxing nun and her holy backup dancer.”
The viral video is more than just a fun clip; it’s a reminder of the human side of religious life. In a world where clergy are often viewed through a lens of solemnity and ritual, Sister Marizele’s moment in the spotlight offered a refreshing and joyful look at the personal expression that still thrives within religious communities.
Her performance also opens the door to reimagining how modern faith can engage with contemporary culture. The mix of spiritual setting and hip-hop energy created a rare but welcome collision of tradition and modernity. And in doing so, it reminded millions that joy, rhythm, and dance have a place even in the most unexpected of settings.
Whether or not this spawns more musical moments from the clergy, Sister Marizele’s beatboxing debut has already made its mark. With fans around the world applauding her bold and joyful expression, one thing is certain: this nun knows how to bring the beat — and she’s not afraid to share it.