Sprite, recently unveiled its epic collaboration with one of Africa’s most celebrated artists, as part of Sprite Limelight season 3. The captivating mural was designed by acclaimed Mzansi born artist and illustrator Karabo Poppy.
Karabo Poppy, known for her distinctive style and ability to capture the essence of South African culture, has once again created a visual masterpiece in the heartbeat of Johannesburg.
The mural, located on the facade of Cheeky’s in Bree Street, Braamfontein, stands as a vibrant celebration of hip-hop artistry and the resilience of self-belief, coinciding with the highly anticipated launch of Blxckie’s new single, South. The mural reflects Sprite’s commitment to uplifting creative voices and fostering meaningful connections through art and music.
A Cultural Landmark in Braamfontein
Braamfontein, known for its dynamic energy and as a hotspot for Gen Z socializing, served as the perfect backdrop for this artistic masterpiece. The mural adorns one of the city’s coolest venues, where fans gathered to celebrate Blxckie’s latest release—an event hailed as the most anticipated hip-hop single launch of the year.
A Story Told Through Art
Karabo Poppy’s mural is more than just a striking visual. It’s a deeply personal depiction of Blxckie’s life journey, tracing his path from his roots in Durban to global stardom. Each icon in the mural holds symbolic significance, capturing pivotal moments in Blxckie’s life. Some elements are literal, while others take a more cryptic approach, sparking curiosity and inviting viewers to delve deeper into the story of this rising hip-hop king.
Heat Happens, Stay Cool
Sprite’s global brand platform, “Heat Happens, Stay Cool,” is interwoven into the mural’s narrative. Blxckie’s journey is a testament to overcoming the heat of adversity, from navigating a challenging upbringing to breaking through and betting on himself despite the odds. Partnering with Sprite Limelight, Blxckie found support and recognition, enabling him to stay cool under pressure and step into the global limelight.“This mural is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of self-belief,” said Senior Marketing Director for South Africa at Coca-Cola Africa, Franscoe Bouwer. “Karabo Poppy has beautifully captured Blxckie’s inspiring journey, and we hope it motivates others to believe in their own potential and stay cool when heat happens.”
From the Artist: Karabo Poppy’s Perspective
What about this Sprite campaign caught your attention?“
What caught my attention regarding the Sprite campaign is Sprite’s continued investment in creativity on the African continent. Seeing a brand as large as Sprite focus on the creative outputs of young South Africans really piqued my interest and made my ‘yes’ that much faster. And Sprite being my favourite soft drink didn’t hurt,” shared Karabo Poppy.
What was the creative process of ideating the mural?“
The creative process for the mural was such a welcomed challenge. The mural location is a building with many windows, which is different from my usual flat surfaces. This is a challenge when creating a cohesive story through a mural, but it forced me to think differently and brought out a new and interesting way to create a narrative with individual illustrations as opposed to one solid image. What I really enjoyed was considering the open space at the top of the building as a part of the mural, which seldom happens but brings more dimensions to the mural.”
How does it feel to have placed a mark in an iconic space like Braamfontein?“
It is such an honour to place a creative mark on one of the creative hubs of South Africa. The potential for globally impactful art in Braam is overflowing, and to be a part of that community not just through personal interaction but also by having my art on a large scale feels like the best honour.”Any advice for young creatives?“
The advice I would give to young creatives is to celebrate your unique voice. Inspiration is great, but creating something the world hasn’t seen before is where your true creative power lies. Turn away from trends and craft your originality daily.”
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