Some of South Africa’s brightest artists starred in Nando’s first pop-up gallery in the Soho restaurant where patrons had the opportunity to enjoy guest appearances from the artists and special panellists whilst savouring the UK’s favourite chicken eatery’s Peri-Peri chicken.
You may be wondering what the connection is between Southern African art and Nando's? Southern Africa is at the very core of their very existence as Nando's was founded in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1987 and their special Peri-Peri chillies still come from there. To celebrate the very soul of this chicken speciality eartery, Nando's thought this would be the best way to celebrate their food and the emerging Southern African talent they are so proud of.
During this ongoing event, Nando's will feature the largest collection of contemporary Southern African art outside of Africa, with more than 19,000 pieces by more than 260 artists. In Nando’s Soho restaurant the featured artists were Henk Serfontein, Zemba Luzamba, Shakes Tembani, Patrick Bongoy, Norman O’Flynn, Nom Thunzi Mashalaba and Marlise Keith. In organising this ongoing event, Nando's hopes to share their belief in art as the power to bring people together, challenge perceptions and inspire conversations. Creating a space where these beliefs could come to life whilst bringing putting smiles on their patron’s faces was at the heart of Nando’s mission. Audiences were brought to grips with the artists’ worlds through VR headsets that beamed them straight to the artists’ studios and there was live mosaic and African bead reconstructions by musicians Neliswa and Zeenat. The layout was immersive, playful and creative designed to appeal to all the senses.
Nando’s new music studio launch was accompanied by a unique cymatic art installation and patrons enjoyed eating Peri-Peri whilst shindiging to the rhythms from their latest soundtrack Zenzile by the Music Exchange mentor Muzi and remixed by UK House DJ and Producer Hannah Wants. There were appearances by Last Night In Paris and rap-sensation Example and emerging London-based artists like Lilian Nejatpour, Eldon Somers, Sophie Rawlingson and Alexander Ikhide who shared their take on surviving in today’s art world.
The event was particularly significant to panellist Eldon Somers who said: “we can include certain people who feel othered or who don’t feel comfortable getting involved in the art world.” Eldon noted: “Art and creativity does bring people together, so let’s keep doing exactly that!”
Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events in Nando's restaurants across the UK.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Nando's franchisee, follow the link at the top of the page or find out more about food franchises.
Cara Squires, Point Franchise ©
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