Bolia “BM” Matundu and Arlette Amuli have launched a new dating app called Luv or Pop to promote Black relationships [3].
The app launch follows the viral success of their YouTube and TikTok series, “Pop the Balloon or Find Love.” The creators are using the platform to counter critics who say their content reinforces negative stereotypes about Black people [2, 5].
Matundu and Amuli announced the app and a celebratory gala in February 2026 [3]. The event took place outside Phoenix, Arizona, where the couple highlighted the real-world success of their dating show [3].
Amuli said the series has led to four marriages [1], more than 10 engagements [1], and dozens of lasting relationships [2]. These statistics serve as the foundation for their argument that the show facilitates genuine connections despite its high-energy format.
Matundu said, “Black love is not dead” [2].
The transition from a social media series to a dedicated app represents an effort to move dating interactions from public performance to private connection. The creators believe the app will provide a more sustainable environment for couples to meet.
However, the show's impact on dating culture remains a point of contention. Some critics say the series promotes a toxic dating culture, while others say it simply exposes the unrealistic expectations people hold in modern dating [2, 4].
By launching Luv or Pop, Matundu and Amuli intend to pivot the conversation toward the longevity of Black relationships. They maintain that the viral nature of their content is a gateway to the more serious goal of fostering long-term partnerships [1, 3].
““Black love is not dead.””
The launch of Luv or Pop signals a strategic move to monetize and formalize the community built around 'Pop the Balloon.' By transitioning from short-form entertainment to a service-based app, the creators are attempting to shift their brand identity from viral provocateurs to architects of Black relationship health, directly challenging the narrative that their content is purely superficial.
