How Kwesta’s ‘Spirit’ continues to resonate in South Africa's cultural landscape
Local HipHop megastar Kwesta and Rachel (a Nandoca turned TikTok phenomenon) have the same voice were introduced to each other and they immediately struck up a friendship.
Image: Supplied
In 2017, South African talented singer Kwesta released the song “Spirit ” featuring American rapper Wale.
The song went on to achieve multiple achievements beyond radio and streaming success and continues to unite South Africans. The song is now the soundtrack for the new Nando's advert.
Kwesta also stars in the advert narrated by the legendary news anchor Mam Noxolo Grootboom, and Rachel (a Nandoca turned TikTok phenomenon).
Melusi Mhlungu, Chief Creative Officer at We Are Bizarre, which is the creative agency behind the advert, shared how Kwesta’s inclusion helped shape the tone, music choices and overall direction of the story.
The new Nando's advert is narrated by legendary news anchor Mam Noxolo Grootboom.
Image: Supplied
“His track, ‘Spirit’, has, and always will be an incredible ode to this place,” said Mhlungu. Spirit" is one of the biggest South African hip-hop songs of all time; it has 17 million views on YouTube and over eight million streams on Spotify.
The song celebrates township living, especially for the young who grew up aspiring to be great. The song’s chorus, beat, and nostalgic township imagery evoke a shared sense of home, even for listeners from different places and walks of life.
“Spirit” stands as a reminder of the country’s rhythm, humour, resilience and ubuntu, a track that keeps rising to connect South Africans, no matter the era.
“While we were on set on recreating ‘Spirit’ as the score behind the story, it is also Kwesta himself who felt like another anchor in our online film.”
Social media brought Kwesta, real name Senzo Vilakazi and Rachel together. Rachel’s voice went viral for sounding similar to Kwesta. Her deep voice will have you looking twice, wondering if her voice is actually hers.
The two then met when Kwesta decided to pop up at her workplace to meet the woman who has a voice just like his.
“Kwesta’s part became clear when we learned that there is a Nando’s employee named Rachel who sounds just like Kwesta. Nando’s, in July this year, introduced the two to each other and they immediately struck up a friendship.
“These things only happen here and it felt like it was already written that they would be part of the story.”
Over the years, the track has resurfaced at major moments: street celebrations, youth events, sports arenas, heritage month playlists, and even township gatherings where it still gets the same explosive reaction it did in 2017.
Its message of pride, hustle, and belonging continues to resonate with a generation that sees the song as an anthem of identity.
The fact that it remains in heavy rotation eight years later and is still chosen by brands to anchor national storytelling speaks to its staying power and emotional weight among South Africans.
Mhlungu explained that the new Nandos advert featuring Grootboom, Kwesta and viral Nandoca Rachel is “more than a campaign — it’s signalling a new era for the brand.”
He adds that the work is a tribute to the heartbeat of the country, because “without South Africa, there is no Nando’s.”
“We are made special here – made different – full of flavour and fire. We have ‘this thing’ – this indescribable fire, energy and spirit, and it’s worth reminding ourselves of it. Whatever this thing is that we have, may we never lose it.”
IOL