21 QUESTIONS: Sage on TikTok Virality, Poetry and Transitioning into Acting

If you love scrolling through your TikTok For You Page for hours than you’re bound to have come across Sage, more widely known by her account name KerboodleMyNoodle. When she’s not doing poetry the hilarious student spends her time making satirical content reflective of her experiences as a Black British girl living and going to school in England. Widely known for the three characters she embodies in her videos – Gary, Mr Pervinson and Kyle – we wanted to delve into the world of Sage as herself. On a sunny day in a discrete forest in Peckham we played a game of 21 questions to do just that – from where she wants to take her content, how she handles virality and her journey within her other interests – poetry and acting –  find out more about the comedic genius in the making.

1. Do you remember the first time one of your videos went viral – what was that experience like for you?

Yeah, I remember my first viral video was a duet I made (sort of my first Gary video) saying “I’m gonna punch your lights out” it got a lot of attention and from then I started posting more comedic content.

2. How big do you want to take your content – what’s the goal for you?

I want to be an actress. That’s the end goal for me. I want to move my talent to TV. I hope to maybe make funny skits on YouTube that will show more of my passion for acting. 

3. Give us a rundown on your characters – who are they, how did they come about and what do they represent? 

So first there’s Gary. This was the first character I brought to TikTok. Typical geezer with racist undertones to him. I do a lot of teacher POVs and that’s what brought about the character of Mr Pervinson: a pervy teacher who makes outrageous comments to his students. I also sometimes bring out Kyle who’s an emo boy who’s “not in a phase”. I do touch on a lot of my experiences I’ve had as a Black British girl living in England and presented them in a comedic way. 

4. What’s the process behind making a video for you? Do you even have one or is it more spontaneous for you?

Most times they are spontaneous. I improvise a lot while making my videos. Sometimes I’ll randomly remember a funny moment from school or something that made me laugh at my local Asda and I just re-enact it. It’s more fun when there’s no rules and more freedom to show my humour. 

5. You’re still in school – what do all your friends and peers think of your content?

At school people do refer to my TikToks as an inside joke. My friends fully support me and my content. They have done from the jump and they always celebrate my achievements. I’m so grateful for my friends.

6. What would you say is the best thing and worst thing about having the platform that you do? 

Best thing is having created a community of people who recognise me and appreciate me for my humour, creativity & the authentic version of myself. Worst thing is definitely the pressure I put on myself. I sometimes fear that because I’ve come so far there’s more expectation for my content. As I said before I’m really spontaneous and consistency is a big part of TikTok and the algorithm. So the pressure to post regularly definitely worries me. 

7. You have two accounts on TikTok – KerboodleMyNoodle & SageTheMenace … in your eyes what differentiates the two? 

Kerboodlemynoodle is where I first showcased my personality and love for acting and skits. I originally created SageTheMenace as a backup but when I started to feel pressure on kerboodlemynoodle I kind of used SageTheMenace as an escape where I can post any type of content with no expectation. I just feel more comfortable there a lot of the time.

8. You also write poetry – what drew you to this medium?

I’ve written poetry for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been inspired by my older sister Cherish. I’d copy everything she did and she’s the first poet I was exposed to. 4 years ago I created my poetry Instagram & named myself “Charlene the Poet”. I performed at my first open mic night last year, “Riffs n Rhymes” where I fell in love with performing. Since then I’ve performed at a few other events. Poetry makes me feel safe. 

9. You’re hosting a house party with 5 of your fave TikTok creators – who are they and what’s the song you play to open and close the night? 

This question is NOT fair, it’s so hard. Definitely Papz, Ameziane for sure, Gelikanu my fave, the great VictorKunda and ElaineBaby, I love her . The opening song is Born to Whine by Vybz Kartel to start the night off right. Closing song has got to be anything by Erykah Badu. 

10. Do you remember the first TikTok you ever made? 

Yeah it was such a dumb video I made on a summer camp with my best friend Riya. We were miming to a song in our uniform. When people scrolled to the bottom of my page and liked it I’d freak out because that video is incredibly embarrassing. I think I’ve even made it private now. 

11. What is something that not a lot of your audience know about you?

I’m actually an introvert and I’m way more awkward and socially anxious than many would expect. A lot of times when supporters see me in real life I’m so awkward and don’t know what to do or say except smile. I get nervous when people recognise me because I don’t know if it’s for a good or bad reason.

12. What is something you’ve learnt about yourself through the growth of your platform? 

I’m actually my own enemy sometimes. I have this fear of rejection and so sometimes I avoid certain opportunities so I feel like I’m controlling my failure. I know many people can resonate with self sabotage but it’s definitely something I’ve noticed.

13. Sage is a really cool name – is that your real name or something you chose for social media and if so what drew you to that name? 

No it’s actually not my real name hehe the main story behind it is quite embarrassing but a sage is someone who is wise and that’s what I try to be. I like the name a lot. 

14. Where did the name Kerboodlemynoodle come from? 

I actually didn’t come up with it myself. I put an anonymous suggestion on my Snapchat for a new tiktok name and someone came up with it so I mean it means whatever you’d like it to mean.

15. Have you ever met any of your supporters in real life? What was that like for you? 

The first time I met a supporter I was so gassed it was so awkward for me I’ll be honest but then overtime I got used to it and started having conversations with supporters who recognise me. It’s nice sometimes.

16. Having a platform can often open you up to so many opinions all the time – how do you handle that and does it ever get difficult for you? 

I’d like to think I’m pretty good with that. I come from a big family and so I’m very accustomed to being around a lot of people who have different views and opinions so I take opposing or negative comments quite light heartedly.

17. What’s your favourite TikTok trend at the moment? 

Probably the guess the flag challenge. I used to love learning flags when I was younger so I really like watching people use the filter on Tiktok. It’s so funny. 

18. Outside of your platform – what is one thing that you’d really love to achieve? 

I need to reconnect with God and rebuild my relationship with Christ. Recently I’ve disconnected and it’s definitely showing in my life. I know the changes I need to make in my life first and I just need to make more effort again. God is the one who knows me and cares for me most, you know? 

19. What’s one thing you can’t leave your house without?

Pretty boring but definitely my charger for sure. Nothing worse than a dying phone

20. What was your favourite look from the shoot and why?

I loved the black and white dress so much it was just so creative and different. The blue sweater outfit I also loved. All the outfits ate, shout out to Jenn Lee & all of the designers. Also shoutout to the amazing stylists DD and Nana who styled me on for the shoot, such talented people. 

21. If you had all your audience in a room and you could ask them all one question, what would you ask them? 

If I’m honest I’d ask if everyone was okay. I know that’s pretty boring but I do get a lot of messages from my supporters saying my videos have helped them in their lowest moments and so I’d definitely check on everyone’s mental health. Not everyone has a stable support system.