Nando’s latest ad throws shade at South Africa’s brand campaigns

If you thought Netflix nailing DStv was harsh, or Cell C mocking Rain’s LTE service was crude, you’re going to love Nando’s shade at practically every brand in South Africa.

In its latest ad posted to Twitter, the food firm takes aim at brands’ lavish and often esoteric advertising campaigns.

“Is this how we sell things now? Mxm. There’s more than one flavour to South Africa,” Nando’s chides on Twitter.

Front and centre is an allusion to Absa’s (sorry “African Nasti”) recent brand refresh, adopting a similar logo and font. Aesthetically rich marketing campaigns are also slated, including those with face paints, neon, “oily running guys” and “burning TVs”.

The ad only lasts about 45 seconds, but it has racked up over 54 000 views since it was published early Monday.

Is this how we sell things now? Mxm. There’s more than one flavour to South Africa. #MoreSAFlavour pic.twitter.com/qP3P82eWe0

— NandosSA (@NandosSA) September 3, 2018

And as for the comments…

“Nandos kamikaze neh?” tweeted one user, alluding to Eminem’s recently released diss-laden album.

Kamikaze? We don’t know what you’re talking about. 👀 pic.twitter.com/TE52wG0WYY

— NandosSA (@NandosSA) September 3, 2018

This is more than shade, Issa whole tree 😲😂 #MoreSAFlavour pic.twitter.com/DbZlHZM3PO

— SZA CAN GET IT idc idc idc (@DopingWonga) September 3, 2018

Wow! This is the shadiest thing I have seen, and it only lasted 45 seconds. Great work @NandosSA pic.twitter.com/am3sLWMwoY

— Philani Sikho (@SikhoPhilani) September 3, 2018

Others just couldn’t get past how much chicken costs in this economy.

Lol R84 half chicken come on guys r u paying that vendor you throw smoke bomb at? pic.twitter.com/m3MdnwURtJ

— Nhlanhla*(Lucky) (@MchunuDK) September 3, 2018

I’ll just enjoy the ad 😊 R84 for half chicken is too much like @psbushiri pic.twitter.com/4ZcihtahDY

— Tshwanelo Mabelane (@t_mabelane) September 3, 2018

Sure, this ad may be adopting the same traits its making fun of to further its marketing reach. But to be honest, all we’re wondering is where do you even get a hyena?

Feature image: screenshot, @nandosSA via Twitter