Nandocas Uhuru song launched
Winners of Nando’s internal talent search launch debut EP at Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival
Nando’s is passionate about changing lives and believes that nurturing and showcasing creative talent is one sure-fire way to do this, which is why it invests in art, design and music development programmes.
For example, through the Nando’s Creative Exchange (NCX), the flagship programme of the Nando’s Art Initiative, Nando’s aims to recognise emerging South African fine artists who demonstrate exceptional ability and help them take the next steps in their careers.
Turning this lens of creativity as a means to create positive change inwards, Nando’s launched an internal music talent search competition, Nandoca Uhurus. The winning Nandocas (the name for the people who are part of the Nando’s family) have been through a mentorship programme and launched a professionally produced EP, “Ngizobuy’ Ek’seni” (I will come back in the morning), an inspiring new youth anthem, at Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival on 27 October 2022.
The four Nandoca Uhurus are Cebolakhe “DJ Cebo” Mathenjwa, Mbongeni “Mbongeni” Dlamini, Obakeng “Tswakatoy” Thabagae and Thulani “2LA” Putsoenyane. They performed “Ngizobuy’ Ek’seni” on 29 October at the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival at Basha Uhuru – their first large-scale public performance of the song they created together (after performing individually at Basha in 2021).
About the Nandoca Uhurus
DJ Cebo (@Cebodot4 on Instagram and Twitter) is a house DJ focusing on the sub-genres of afro-house, deep house, gqom and recently, amapiano. Born and raised in the Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, he decided to take the big leap and transfer to Johannesburg from Standerton in 2018. Inspired by the likes of Culoe de Song, Rocco, Manoo and Black Motion, he worked to better his skills as a DJ while employed at Nando’s as a griller.
Mbongeni (@MbongeniDlamini on Facebook and Instagram) is an artist, writer and poet who started performing poetry while still in high school. Falling in love with hip-hop happened when he entered a competition and created the Nandos izithakazelo (clan names) in 2021. When he won the competition, he gained the confidence to debut his EP “Dreams” and he hasn’t looked back since. He also gives back as an event organiser through the NGO Sakhi & Monde, organising community activations to uplift the youth. “My verse is about motivation to rise up,” he says. “Music is another language you can speak to people.”
Tswakatoy (@TswakolistaToy on Twitter and @tswakatoy on Tiktok) was born and raised in Ramatlabama, North West province. He raps in multiple languages, primarily seTswana. Inspired by the likes of HHP, Khuli Chana and Tuks Senganga, he says being selected to be part of the Nandocas Uhuru programme has seen him gain more knowledge and insight of the music industry that will help him navigate his path with a better understanding. “This song means a lot to me,” he says.
2LA (@2LA_SA on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) is a self-taught rapper, singer, songwriter and music producer whose music career dates back to 2013. Today, he is a fully independent artist with three compilation albums, a handful of singles, collaborations and producer credits. 2LA has worked with the likes of Nigerian super star Ice Boy and has two music videos on Channel O.
Mentoring process
The Nandocas Uhuru have enjoyed not just the main show at Basha Uhuru, but several personalised master classes and workshops in collaboration with Flame Studios, including song-writing with Bonga Kwana (Basha favourite and an alumna of Bridges Academy, Nando’s music partner) and a performance coaching session with Basha In Casa performer Basetsana , stars on Thursday 27 October.
On Friday 28 October, they joined in the workshops organised by Bridges For Music focusing on brand imaging, creative collaboration, and taking care of their mental health.
The mentoring process began much earlier on, however. The EP was created in partnership with Flame Studios, where the Nandocas have enjoyed extensive hands-on mentorship from Martin Nkanyiso, producer and composer, and Mzwandile “Mzwa” Ngubeni, who heads up Heatwave, Nando’s internal radio station.
“We’ve curated these young musicians who can bring flavour to music,” says Mzwa. “Music gives you expression, and they are expressing themselves. This song is an expression; a call to every young person to rise. Every day, rise.”
The track is available on the Nando’s Creativity YouTube channel, and the Nandocas Uhuru are hoping to secure commercial radio play following their Basha Uhuru experience.
NXC artist explores AR
Robyn Pretorius is a Cape Town artist who was part of NCX in 2019. She believes that we can build stronger connections by celebrating the diversity of human experience and is currently exploring how artists can use augmented reality (AR) technologies to bridge the gap between the digital and physical.
“The start of the ‘Covid era’ introduced a new way for audiences to experience physical artworks in a non-physical space,” Pretorius says. “The limitations of movement encouraged mass accessibility to digital creative tools, such as 3D gallery exhibitions, digital painting, crypto-art and augmented reality. What excites me as a painter is how art meeting technology as a tool can open a whole new world of potential.”
Pretorius w shared her thoughts and enthusiasm for AR in the context of art at a Basha Uhuru workshop on 28 October.
“I will be sharing how I navigated my painting processes into a multidimensional experience by use of basic augmented reality tools,” she says. “The Basha Uhuru festival has always been an ambassador for creative development and the celebration of local talent. It’s an important yet fun environment to engage with other talented artists, designers, art lovers and industry professionals. I really enjoy attending the Basha events, especially the creative workshops.”
For more on the Nando’s art, design and music programmes, visit www.nandoscreativity.co.za.
