Review of Best South African TV Ads

The best TV Commercials leave a mark on one’s, memory. They make us feel things, remember things and laugh at things — ranging from products, ideologies, trends, beliefs, social causes, celebrities and influential figures in our society.?

While growing up, my maths teacher used to tease us, “tembelea majirani, utajua si mama yako tu anajua kupika”, a Swahili saying that loosely translates to: if you want to taste different chef’s cookings, step away from home.

I decided to explore South Africa’s television advertisements, intending to understand Mzansi’s advertisement space from a recipient’s point of view.?

Thanks to the power of the internet, the rabbit hole wasn't deep. The following TV commercials that were broadcasted to the South African Audience were voted the best, based on the awards given to them by Loeries.?

1. More South African Flavour: Nandos

Nandos, a South-African Multinational Fast-Food brand selling flame-grilled peri-peri style chicken executed a marketing campaign aimed at poking fun at the uniform template of all South African commercials.?

The opening scene of the Ad made me remember the Africanacity Ad of ABSA. Almost thought it was a partnership.

Marketing Campaign Video:? More South African Flavour

Key points of interest

• The voice-over actor(Actor Hamilton Dlamini) hooks you in with his semi-Morgan-Freeman deep dominant demeanour.?
• Rhetorical question introduced by a Starter Pack of Ads: oily running guys, burning Tvs, Face Paints, Neon and Hashtags. Almost forgot a deep masculine voice.
• “Where did you even get a hyena?”, knocks me off my seat completely, bundled together with, “Is there a throne?”. This implies throwing in anything crazy in the TV Ads recipe is a BIG MUST.?
• The final score that drives the message home is from the formidable trio; a drum stick, a wing and fries on the side — the other South African flavour the audience should be familiar with.?

Takeaway(hope they offer): Creativity can be spawned from observing the obvious and communicating it in a non-obvious way.

2. Double Your Bundle - Pizza, Leftover Pizza - MTN South Africa

How many times should you wish your friend a happy birthday? There is no cardinal rule specifying the number of times one should say happy birthday.

MTN South Africa cleverly incorporates her ‘highness’ in promoting its new Double Your Bundle feature to its customers.

Marketing Campaign Video: MTN Presents: Leftover Pizza

Key Points of Interest:

• A clever subtle veiled reference to the Cannabis Sativa curtain raises the commercial in the opening scene. If you see it, drop a comment in the comment section.?
• The actor wittingly displays the “it is not my fault, but I will flow with it”, vibe when he unknowingly calls his friend again.?
• Tapping into societal perceptions towards certain beliefs in a random everyday-type-of -situation makes the commercial intriguing and entertaining to watch.
• “Thabo my man, happy birthday bra,.....”, Thabo will definitely not forget his birthday with such an awesome friend. The lines are easy to remember, and thus easily shareable if any person were to use them in their lives. I would dial *142# for MTN Double Your Bundle

Takeaway: Everyday relatable moments are easily shareable and understood. Incorporating them in the Ads is very effective especially if they are pegged on advancing conversations on certain status quo perceptions.

3. Shave To Remember - Philips Hair Clippers

The headline screams: Shave like Mandela, a global icon. Who wouldn’t love the sound and look of rocking? Nelson Mandela’s haircut?

The partnership between Nelson Mandela Foundation and Philips was aimed at honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy by reminding South Africans of his values.

Marketing campaign Video: Philips Shave to Remember

Key Points of Interest:

• The documentary style of narration beautifully paints the story and impact of Nelson Mandela. There s pure bliss and admiration one feels as the narrator introduces the theme of the campaign and the importance of remembering Nelson Mandela via Shaving.
• The action of shaving different people from different places in South Africa brings about a deep sense of familiarity with Nelson Mandela's ideals even if some of those shaved only heard and read about him. I could figuratively feel the pride of different individuals echoing out the slogan, “I Shave to Remember”.
• The ending statement is the icing on the cake for me. “There is a Mandela in all of us”.?

Takeaway: The Ad definitely left a mark given its aspirational and nostalgic attributes. It also embodies a philanthropic cause given that proceeds of Philips Shavers were channelled to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to continue with his legacy.

Be sure to leave any comments regarding the above three TV Commercials. My favourite is the one that definitely left a mark.