We live in an environment where social media banter often meets marketing genius.
Nando's turning topical moments into engaging content is nothing new. And the fast food franchise has done it once again.
It capitalised on the recently surfaced rumours regarding a split between chart-topping couple Kelvin Momo and Babalwa M, injecting its signature humour into the mix.
Keen observers of the music scene have been keeping their eyes on the high-profile relationship, which had delighted fans with their musical collaboration and enthralling performances.
However, as whispers of their apparent break-up began to circulate, an image surfaced of Kelvin Momo becoming cosy with a local film producer, adding fuel to the speculation.
The couple, who had been celebrated as one of Mzansi's “it” duos, left fans expressing their shock and despair on social media. Many mourned the potential loss of their melodic contributions to the local music scene.
“Normalise beating Kelvin Momo when you see him in the streets, that relationship has been giving us hit songs (crying face emojis)”, wrote @Phillip.
"It's genuinely jaw-dropping how Babalwa M made a whole song encouraging Kelvin Momo to pay lobola only for them to break up," tweeted @uuniversalmusic.
Another fan lamented, “If Kelvin Momo and Babalwa M really broke up then it means they won't give us any bangers anymore; that’s the sad part,” wrote @Khumbelo_gift.
It didn’t take long for Nando's to join the narrative.
Responding to the wave of fan comments, the restaurant cheekily quipped to @Khumbelo_gift: “If you are looking for bangers from a fire couple we got you. ¼ chicken and chips, together since 1987. Thumela imali ye Nando's hehehehe.”
If you are looking for bangers from a fire couple we got you. 1/4 chicken and chips, together since 1987. 🎵 Thumela imali ye Nando's hehehee🎶 https://t.co/FAdEyDii1p
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) October 16, 2024
Social media users were quick to react, with many chuckling at the witty exchange, and some even expressing delight at how Nando's remains a step ahead in the game of social commentary.
One user wrote: “The team behind this account? Goated.”
A second user wrote: “Undisputed champions of advertising, the other guys are just too chicken for this (laughing face emoji).”
Not everyone felt the timing was right as one user remarked: “Too soon Nando’s,” prompting the brand's playful response, “Ndithe (translated I said), sorry.”