Fans applaud Chris Q. Radebe for boldly addressing toxic masculinity in hit YouTube series

Chris Q. Radebe's new web series, "Shut Up! Men Are Talking", has taken the internet by storm with its powerful storytelling.

So far, Radebe has released five episodes on his self-funded YouTube channel, with the 6th episode facing a delay due to a music copyright issue.

The series dives into the life of a young widowed woman named Nontobeko, who pushes back against the demands of a heavily patriarchal society while trying to live an assertive life.

The show presents a sad reality for women abused by "cultural norms".

The first episode, which launched in September, was just over 30 minutes and attracted over one million views.

Since then, netizens have been hooked. 

"Shut Up! Men Are Talking" stars Mzansi A-listers Jo-Anne Reyneke, Wiseman Mncube and Thulani Mtsweni and Zokhethelo Zondi, among others.

As viewers dive deeper into the episodes, they have praised Radebe for his raw depiction of toxic masculinity as well as the cast for their stellar performances.

@SesethuLedwaba wrote: "Thank you for the bold and beautiful representation of women, and for fearlessly showing how culture can suppress them. This story isn’t just great - it’s powerful, moving and necessary. I absolutely loved it! What made it even more special is how deeply I connected with it."

Another fan commented: "This is stunning. Heart-wrenching. Frustrating. Beautiful. Funny and aggravating. May the right eyes and pockets find it. Well done!"

@yunusmohamed4072 said: "The horrors of patriarchy in all cultures and society. Superb acting all round. So glad I watched it."

@nkuliscorner_ZA said: "I've been niggled at by the patriarchal demands placed on these women. There's deep friction because while I want them to just kick out and assert themselves, I'm also acutely aware that theirs are lives steeped in tradition and the expectations of women in this corner of rural South Africa.

"What struck me even harder was the fact that these women - though portrayed for the series - exist in 2025 South Africa. And that's why I'm enjoying this series: It's making me confront a reality that's VERY far from mine, but also emphasising the importance of grace and understanding."

As fans pleaded with Radebe to release the sixth episode, he took to Instagram to explain the delay.

"The episode is ready, but we have a music issue. We use music a lot, and we did talk to a lot of the people whose music we have used so far. Unfortunately, it's not everybody, and in the remaining episodes, we have other people's songs, and those songs have copyright strikes.

"The plan was to always have conversations and sort it out once the project is pegged up.

"Now that we've gone full on with this YouTube route, and it's all because of you, because you all have made this project a lot bigger than what it was initially, so now we need to sort out the issue of the music.

!That's why I can't post the whole project ... Unfortunately, it's going to require money because we don't have a relationship with some of these people, but we love their work. So that's why I've put up our banking details ... No one is forced to contribute anything ... Other than that, we are sorting it out."

Radebe also thanked his fans for all the support and their contributions so far.

"I do want to say thank you to you guys who have been contributing. Some of you guys are so generous, and I appreciate all the contributions so far."

Watch the first episode below.