LEBOGANG RASETHABA BRINGS RELATIVES, STRANGERS, AND RELATIVE STRANGERS TOGETHER IN THE NEW NANDO’S ADVERT

Egg Films  |  6 May 2024

Haibo! ‘Family Imposter,’ the new ad campaign directed by Lebogang Rasethaba for M&C Saatchi Abel, hilariously captures how far people will go to get their hands on a piece of Nando’s chicken.

The latest spot for Nando’s brings relatives, strangers, and relative strangers closer together. True to Nando’s signature style, the ad is infused with wit and a whole lot of South African flavour. The commercial explores the lengths one might go for a taste of full chicken and sharing chips, and spoiler alert, turns out the most obvious imposter will say anything to be part of the family… ‘Dulemang family yaka!’

Through clever storytelling, impeccable comedic timing, and the brilliant casting of characters, Lebogang Rasethaba cleverly navigates our distinctive local nuances. The commercial begins with the father and daughter in a linguistic tug of war about the pronunciation of a Zulu word, a uniquely South African commentary about how the older generation is raising model C kids. The theme of mispronunciation is something Lebogang keeps revisiting, making the humour layered and thoughtfully crafted.

‘Directing a comedy spot relies heavily on a shared value system, the collective needs to find the same things funny. I believe much of the success of this commercial stemmed from that, you can never make a good advert if you don’t have a funny idea and a strong script. That foundation allowed us the freedom to elevate the (brilliant) script and to go crazy on set. Myself, the client, the agency and the cast were literally cry-laughing on set’, says Lebogang. His keen eye for comedic timing and his approach to visual storytelling see the ad strike the perfect balance between humour and subtlety, resulting in a comedy gem that is as enjoyable to watch as it is memorable.

Check out Lebogang’s showreel or contact Julia Schnurr at Egg Films for more info.

CREDITS:

Nando’s SA:
Chief Marketing Officer: Doug Place
GM: Brand & Communications: Jessica Wheeler
Marketing Manager: Nontobeko Sibiya

M&C Saatchi Abel:
Head of Production: Tsholofelo Müller
Producer: Thuto Ntshabele
Executive Creative Director: Mohlalefi Lentsoane
Business Director: Robyn Oettle
Digital Creative Director: Tshepang Mamogale
Copywriter: Nonhlanhla Thoka
Copywriter: Zanele Kabane
Animator: Mafedi Lenake
Traffic Manager: Mmabatho Menoe

Egg Films:
Director: Lebogang Rasethaba
Executive Producer: Colin Howard
Producer: JuliaSchnurr
Line Producer: Devi Lazanas
Production Co-ordinator: Leslie Moleki
Assistant Director: Barry van Niekerk

DOP: Willie Nel
Focus Puller: Themba Mabaso
Loader: Jarred Yeoman
DIT: Cameron Baatjies
VT Operator: Princess Mulidzi
BTS/Social Media: Siya Xaba Zwe

Key Grip: PJ Steyl
Best Boy: Thabelo Kholoane

Gaffer: Andre Beumer
Best Boy: Marcus Nepumbada
Spark: Troye Melvin
Spark: Moeketsi Mbele
Genny Op: Albert Magoro

Sound Recorder: David Seapose

Art Director: Keenan McAdam
Props Master: Cara Falken
Props Master: Marco Filby
Art Driver: Thabo Kiti
Art Assist: Austin Bunu
Art Runner: Timothy McAdam
Art Runner: Drew Casson
Wardrobe: Samantha Constable
Make-up Artist: Khumo Ngwenya
Food Stylist: Juleta Hirner
Food Assistant: Annaleze Behr

The Syndicate Post
Editor: Nic Goodwin
Grade: Jarryd Du Thoit

Online Fresh FVX Post 
Producer: Stuart Botha
Online: Brad Glossop
Final Mix: Tickabox Creative Rob Mitchley