Building Buzz and Meaningful Messages

Written by Paige Feikert

Millions of people across the internet have laughed along with Wichita’s D’Aydrian Harding online, and while his popularity took off over the last six years, Wichita has always known Harding had a gift.

“I’ve always wanted to be known simply as me, D’Aydrian, a guy who loves to make people laugh,” Harding said in a written response to SPLURGE! Magazine. “As a senior at Northeast, I was voted ‘class clown’ and ‘most likely to become famous.’ ”

Whether he is showcasing his basketball theatrics, hilariously taunting Walmart employees or sharing messages from his “Stay Sober” platform, it’s impossible to watch Harding’s YouTube page without cracking a smile. His mission is to share meaningful messages through comedy and a relatable persona. 

“My grandfather struggled with alcohol dependency for most of his adult life. The ‘Stay Sober’ platform is dedicated in his honor.” — D’Aydrian Harding

“Hearing my fans tell me they love me and that my platform saved their lives when nothing else could,” Harding said when asked what he is most proud of so far in his career. “Today’s youth are dealing with issues at home and school that are often causing them to feel hopeless, worthless or even ‘weird.’ I have been called weird my entire life, and I added that adjective to my lucrative merch line: ‘I’m Not Weird, I’m Different.’ ” 

The now 25-year-old gained popularity in 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic, when, at just 18 years old, he gained half a million followers on TikTok after catching the attention of rapper DaBaby at a concert at Hartman Arena. The rapper pulled Harding on stage and the video that ensued generated the buzz to kick off his career as a social media sensation. Since then, Harding’s following has grown: 1.5 million on Instagram, 4.5 million on YouTube and a whopping 12.8 million on TikTok.

Momma Harding’s Career Shift

Now, Harding has cemented a career in social media, and his rapid rise to fame and success also translated to a major career shift for his mother, Demetria Whiting, better known online as Momma Harding. Whiting is now a social media sensation herself, with more than one million followers on TikTok and another 153,000 followers on Instagram. Whiting also recently published a book titled “Momma Harding Influencing the Future,” detailing her own journey over the last several years. 

“The motivation behind my autobiography is to encourage readers to build self-confidence and embrace who they truly are without seeking others’ approval,” Whiting said in a written response to SPLURGE! Magazine. “I have learned to fill my days with even more gratitude for the peaceful, awe-inspiring moments that often go unnoticed amid the fluidity of social media stardom and embrace every opportunity that arises.” 

Before her son’s social media success, Whiting was a registered nurse hoping to retire from her full-time hospice position in 2031 and spend her time touring the country as a per diem travel nurse. Instead, Whiting has spent the last two years touring the country with her son, performing at venues in major cities and meeting and connecting with people in a much different way. 

“I enjoy building a warm, respectful online space where families can learn from and support one another, and, as mothers, we continually redefine what motherhood means to us,” Whiting said. “Touring with D’Aydrian for two years has been deeply rewarding, and the audience’s enthusiasm makes every effort worthwhile. Meeting fans and their families in person has built a connection far stronger than digital communication alone.” 

The “Stay Sober Tour”

This summer, Whiting joined Harding on the “Stay Sober Tour” an interactive comedy show with stops across the United States. The tour wrapped in early August with a show in Dallas. The “Stay Sober” platform, however, is something deeply personal to Harding, who has always lived a sober lifestyle inspired by the struggles his grandfather faced. 

“My grandfather struggled with alcohol dependency for most of his adult life, and at times he lived with our family, where I learned firsthand how powerful an addiction could become,” Harding said. “My grandfather had periods of homelessness, illness and estranged relationships, and he ultimately died alone in a motel due to alcohol intoxication and cardiovascular disease in 2016. The ‘Stay Sober’ platform is dedicated in his honor.” 

Both Harding and Whiting are passionate about the Wichita community and sharing their successes. This year, they endowed two scholarships at WSU Tech: the D’Aydrian L. Harding: Digital Marketing Influencer Scholarship and the Demetria K. Whiting: Influencing the Future Nursing Scholarship. The family has also recently gotten into real estate, with a goal to provide affordable housing to renters in and around Wichita. Through the long days and the determination to keep up with the ever-changing internet trends, Harding and Whiting have never lost sight of what’s most important — each other. 

“My mom has been there for the triumphs and the failures, never judgmental, just sharing her loving nature,” Harding said.

“Momma Harding Influencing the Future”

You can purchase a copy of “Momma Harding Influencing the Future” as an e-book or physical book on Amazon and locally at Watermark Books & Café. You can also follow Harding on Instagram at daydrianharding_, on TikTok at @daydrianharding and on YouTube at @daydrian. 

You can follow Whiting on Instagram @wmommaharding and on TikTok at @mommaharding.