KFC as @ComicConAfrica Wingman: The Finger-Lickin' Sponsor Continues Its Delicious Partnership!

Hi Guys, 

Comic Con Africa, the continent's most epic pop culture event, is thrilled to have its official wingman, KFC Africa, as its headline sponsor again for this year's festival over Heritage Day Weekend (22 to 25 September 2023 at Nasrec). Brimming with excitement and armed with their famous secret recipe, KFC is ready to take centre stage once again as the official Wingman of Comic Con Africa.

With the Comic Con Africa festival continuing to grow – offering more for pop culture and gaming fans than ever – the iconic fast-food brand dons its Wingman cape to join forces with Comic Con Africa, providing fans and attendees with an unforgettable experience. The partnership promises an action-packed event filled with delectable delights and finger-lickin' good fun.

"We are incredibly excited to see the ever-growing partnership with KFC, our official Wingman for Comic Con Africa, bring more fun and excitement to the festival once again this year," said Carla Massmann, Show Director at Comic Con Africa. "Their dedication to creating memorable experiences and passion for pop culture aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver an extraordinary event to fans across the continent."

As the Wingman sponsor, KFC plans to ignite the Comic Con Africa experience with exclusive giveaways, and mouthwatering surprises that will leave fans craving more. Whether it's sinking your teeth into their legendary Original Recipe chicken or enjoying exclusive menu items, KFC is around to ensure that attendees will have the fuel they need to enjoy every moment of the event.

"Comic Con Africa is a celebration of all things extraordinary, and at KFC, we believe in making every moment extraordinary too," said Hloni Mohopa, Marketing Director at KFC. "We're thrilled to continue being the Wingman and bring our unique brand of finger-lickin' goodness to all the fans out there. Get ready for a legendary Comic Con Africa experience!"

Comic Con Africa promises an unrivalled lineup of entertainment, including celebrity guests, thrilling panels, breathtaking cosplay, and a chance to be immersed in the world of comics, gaming, movies, and more. This year’s festival is welcoming Star Wars legend Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Veronica Taylor (The original voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon), Ross Marquand (Aaron from the Walking Dead), John Barrowman (Jack Harkness from Doctor Who) as well as other guests that will be announced leading up to the show.

Stay tuned for further announcements regarding exclusive offerings from KFC during Comic Con Africa – including a show-exclusive menu that features the Pretty in Pink Meal, Cachos and the Hulk Burger, legendary exclusive sauces available for purchase and a KFC Mini-Cricket Action Zone, offering a mini-cricket challenge and VR gaming experience.

It's time to mark your calendars and prepare for the ultimate pop culture and gaming event of the year this Heritage Day Weekend (22 to 25 September 2023). For more information and updates, visit the official Comic Con Africa website at https://www.comicconafrica.co.za and follow the excitement on social media.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
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10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023

Hi Guys, 

Comic Con Africa, the continent's ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, is set to take over the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) with a bang over Heritage Day weekend next month. The highly anticipated festival promises fans an unforgettable experience, packed with a diverse array of entertainment, celebrity appearances, loads of shopping opportunities, and even exclusive merchandise. As Comic Con Africa gears up for its fifth edition, here are 10 things to expect from the event:

One: The KFC Main Stage and the Pop Culture Hall

The KFC main stage of Comic Con Africa is the epicentre of the festival, featuring a lineup of exciting guests set to engage fans in interactive Q&A panels where audience members can learn more about their favourite films, series, and creators. For Comic Con Africa, so far those guests include, with more being announced soon:

• Anthony Daniels – C-3PO from Star Wars
• Veronica Taylor – The original English voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon
• Ross Marquand – Aaron from The Walking Dead, as well as Red Skull from Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game

The main stage will also host spot prizes, interactive gaming sessions, winner announcements, as well as cosplay competitions including the ever-exciting Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay. Located in Hall 6, this bustling hub of activity, will house various attractions, including kid-friendly activities making it the ultimate family day out.

Attendees can also look forward to opportunities for community building in dedicated pockets of the hall. More than the main stage, Hall 6 will also house a Pop Culture Content Zone for additional workshops, fan meet-ups, and activities.

Two: Gaming Galore – Tournaments, free-to-play zones, and accessories

Gaming enthusiasts will be in paradise with a plethora of gaming options in Hall 5. Vendors will offer the latest gaming accessories and merchandise with some show exclusive deals, while the Telkom VS Gaming Village will host tournaments spanning popular titles like FIFA, and Rocket League. This village will also contain South Africa’s largest eSports tournament – The Telkom VS Masters – featuring games such as CS:GO. For mobile gaming enthusiasts, an exciting mobile gaming experience also awaits in this space.

The Toyota Gaming Engine has partnered with Nintendo to bring attendees an immersive Mario Kart experience and a chance to win a trip to Chicago for C2E2.

Comic Con Africa 2023 also sees the return of the fan favourite Doritos Crunch Cup, powered by Comic Con Africa, which will feature daily tournaments, including the "Beat the Pros" challenge, where casual gamers can compete against South Africa’s top contenders for cash prizes in titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Street Fighter 6, Fortnite, and FIFA.

Following Riot Games' announcement of Valorant servers coming to South Africa, The Carry 1st Valorant Tournament also promises thrilling gameplay. Another not-to-be-missed feature is the Red Bull Campus Clutch.

Comic Con Africa is also excited to welcome the voice of Mozzie from Rainbow Six: Siege, Martin Copping, who is also the voice of Lucas Riggs from Call of Duty: Vanguard.

Three: Cosplay

Since 2018, Africa has gained recognition in the global cosplay scene, with South African cosplayers Kinpatsu Cosplay, Jinxie Cosplay, and Ludus Cosplay consistently excelling at the prestigious Crown Championships of Cosplay in Chicago. Whether you're a casual or competitive cosplayer, Comic Con Africa has something for everyone, making it a must-attend event on the cosplay calendar.

Comic Con Africa will also host casual cosplay competitions with multiple daily sessions, including a special session for contestants under 13, offering a chance to win spot prizes. The event also features the Nintendo Cosplay Competition, adding a gaming twist to the cosplay scene. For those aspiring to compete professionally, Comic Con Africa hosts the Championships of Cosplay, where hand-crafted character outfits are rigorously judged. The winner earns the honour of representing South Africa at the global C2E2 competition in Chicago.

In addition to these competitions, Comic Con Africa welcomes internationally acclaimed cosplayers Lindsay Elyse (USA), Sakura Flor (Netherlands), and Har_Fie (England). These guest cosplayers offer photo opportunities and prints of their iconic outfits, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

For more information on competitions and participation criteria, visit https://comicconafrica.co.za/cosplay/

Four: Artist Alley

With over 150 artists in Hall 7, The Artist Alley is the heartbeat of any Comic Con event, and Comic Con Africa is no exception. Attendees can explore a wide array of local and international artist stands dedicated to celebrating the art of comic books, original artwork, fan fiction, and more. Here, fans can admire breathtaking artwork, gain inspiration, exchange creative techniques, and even purchase or commission unique pieces from talented vendors.

Notable and iconic artists such as Nooligan (USA) will be attending the show as well as local authors Sam Beckbessinger and Dave Halvorsen (co-authors of Girls of Little Hope) who will be among the many creatives showcasing their work in the Artist Alley.

Five: Shopping and collectables

With an extensive lineup of vendors spanning three halls of the Expo Centre, Comic Con Africa offers fans a shopper's paradise. Attendees can browse their way through a treasure trove of merchandise, including exclusive items available only at the event. Whether you're searching for the latest collectibles, comics, apparel, or unique memorabilia, there's something for every fan to discover.

The Symbiote Showcase and experience is another must-visit attraction for fans of iconic characters from the world of comic books – having collectables on display from XM Studios, Prime 1 Studio, Queen Studios, PureArts, Royal Selangor and Moduspace. More than these life size and breath-taking statues, be sure to stop by the Funko stand to beef up your collection.

Six: Otaku Town

Get ready for an anime extravaganza! As the anime scene continues to skyrocket across South Africa, cementing its status as an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, Comic Con Africa is thrilled to offer a stellar lineup of guests who've shaped the anime and Japanese culture scene.

Step into the heart of the action on the Comic Con Africa festival floor, for the first ever iteration of Otaku Town! This immersive zone is a love letter to all things anime and Japanese culture. Dive into a world of mesmerising exhibits, tantalise your taste buds with authentic Japanese cuisine, and let the vibrant universe of anime sweep you off your feet. Guest that will feature near this area include popular YouTubers Akidearest as well as The Anime Man.

Seven: Tabletop Gaming

Whether you're a seasoned board game connoisseur or a curious novice, the tabletop gaming zone is a realm where imagination knows no bounds. Gather your friends, roll the dice and dive into a world of intricate strategy, cunning tactics, and boundless fun.

In partnership with Solarpop, Comic Con Africa is proud to welcome free play, demos, and learn-to-play sessions for iconic tabletop gaming titles such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, as well as Magic: The Gathering. Comic Con Africa will also host Catan Nationals.

This area in Hall 7 also calls for fans to enjoy a free two-hour Dungeons & Dragons journey into a world of magic and monsters where newcomers can also enjoy 20-minute introductions to start their quest.

Eight: Local Celebrities Spotlight

This year, Comic Con Africa will also be celebrating homegrown talent that's been making waves both locally and on the international stage, welcoming celebrities such as Cameron Scott (Ring of Beasts, The Bachelorette, and more)

Comic Con Africa is also proud to host heavy-hitter local comic book artists such as Karl Mostert, Sean Izaakse, and more to be announced soon on the festival’s social media channels.

Nine: MASSIVE Outdoor entertainment

Comic Con Africa is focused on ensuring that the event has more than enough room for fans to embrace the experience. The outdoor area is set to be loaded with food trucks, as well as activations from the likes of Hunters and Red Bull.

Comic Con Africa is also excited to welcome a finger lickin’ good experience with KFC with more details to follow soon!

Ten: Autographs and Photo Ops

Hall 7 is your golden chance to rub shoulders with international celebrities up close and personal. Capture the moment with a professionally taken photograph alongside your favourite celebs. Plus – you can snag their autographs too!

You do not need to have a photograph to get an autograph and vice versa. Whether you want to bring your own item for a cherished signature or pick up something special at the show, the stars are ready to make your day.

Given the high demand for these exclusive opportunities, be sure to keep a close watch on Comic Con Africa's social media for pre-order details. Remember, availability during the event itself might be limited, so stay in the loop and secure your spot to meet and greet your heroes!

Be sure to take advantage of the limited Anthony Daniels combo deal which is currently on offer to early bird patrons at R900 for a photograph and an autograph! Secure your spot here: https://bit.ly/CCA2023_tickets

Comic Con Africa 2023 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience with pockets of excellence in each corner. Be sure not to miss out on the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, from 22 to 25 September 2023, by securing your ticket on Howler from R200 here: https://bit.ly/CCA2023_tickets

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews
and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to all social media platforms - https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h
Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 10.5 Years!

@ComicConAfrica Ends On A High Note #ComicConAfrica #ReedExpoAfrica #Reedpop

Hi Friends, 

The doors of Comic Con Africa 2019 closed for the final time on the evening of 24th Sep 2019, but the buzz and excitement generated by four days of the greatest celebration of pop-culture that South Africa has ever seen show no signs of abating. The sheer magnitude of this Con was something to behold – Reed Exhibitions and Reedpop promised that Comic Con Africa would be bigger and better, and on that promise they delivered. With an astounding 71,000 visitors, seven halls packed with 300 exhibitors, four international film, TV series, and gaming celebrities, 12 international comic artists and writers, 12 local comic creators, one international cosplayer, two international DJs, competitions, specials, and giveaways, an esports prize pool of R1.3 million, 26,000 square meters of event space, 120 hours of content, and one incredible Wingman in the form of KFC, Comic Con Africa 2019 exceeded all expectations.

This year the guests in Artist Alley tripled in numbers and the incredible line-up left fans spoilt for choice. In the feature area, artists and illustrators engaged in live drawings and sketch offs, sharing anecdotes and artistic tips as they did so. Ecstatic fans watched their favorite characters drawn in real-time on large screens mounted above the easels. Under the grading organization CGC’s watchful eye, comic books were signed and sent for evaluation and protective casing to preserve investment pieces. Alongside in the Writers Block, local novelists and authors signed their books and spoke on educational panels to encourage local writers to pick up their pens. The Block was filled with handmade creativity including pop-culture inspired clothing, décor, and jewelry.

The Cosplay of Comic Con Africa 2019 was a visual feast. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d bumped into Iron Man or Wonder Woman walking straight off a Marvel film set, such as the level of detail and skill evidenced in these pieces of walking art. Cosplay Central was buzzing all weekend long with skits and well-known local and international Cosplayers signing prints. Fascinating panels for newbies and pros alike gave insight into crafting the perfect wig, applying make-up, or how to cosplay with confidence. The Cosplay Karaoke Café was a real hit with Cosplayers belting out magnificent renditions of well-known songs. Casual Cosplay competitions took place every day on the main stage, and on Tuesday the highly anticipated Championships of Cosplay winners were announced. The overall Cosplay winner Jinxkitty, who wowed with her Priestess Bathory cosplay, will be representing Africa at the Championships of Cosplay Quest for the Crown at C2E2 in America. Leon de Bruin of GES, Comic Con Africa’s Cosplay partner, was blown away by the level of this year’s Cosplay and called on any interested Cosplayers to sign up for 2020’s competition.

Hall 5 housed Pop-Culture retailers and exhibitors, many of whom had special deals that were snapped up by happy visitors. Comics, figurines, collectibles, clothing and other merchandise absolutely flew off the shelves and into the hands of thrilled collectors. Radio partner to the Con, 5fm provided the musical vibes with live broadcasts from their DJs who were happy to chat with fans. TikTok’s WoahTikTok competition on the main stage was a fun addition from Con’s digital media partner. Television Media partner Viacom celebrated 25 years of the series Friends and brought THE show’s couch where fans queued up to have their picture taken. There was one particularly special exhibitor in this hall. The presenting sponsor of Comic Con Africa 2019, The Ultimate Wingman, the makers of finger-lickin' goodness KFC, made their home here with a gigantic KFC bucket housing a greenscreen set up where visitors could photograph themselves in a setting of their imagination. Also on their stand was a caricaturist and a special edition of local arcade game Boetfighter, along with cosplayers in the costumes of the specially commissioned Comic Con Africa KFC Captain Colonel.

Hall 5 was also the location of the KFC main stage where panels, Q&As, competitions, and interviews were held with international film and TV series celebrities like Star Trek’s William Shatner, The Originals’ Daniel Gillies, and video game voice actors Nolan North and Troy Baker. Audiences were awed in the presence of these pop-culture giants. The stars themselves were charmed by our South African audiences – in the words of Daniel Gillies, we are “the most polite people I ever met… the fans are so warm and kind, and polite.” Just off the main stage, Hall 6 was the scene of photo ops and autographs with the celebrities, and fans came out ecstatically gripping these souvenirs and treasuring their

Comic Con Africa’s 2019 gaming offering was nothing short of a paradise for both casual and avid gamers. The absolutely enormous esports set up of the Con’s gaming and connectivity partner Telkom VS Gaming filled an entire wall, giving Con-goers a panoramic-like view of the action. Featuring nail-biting finals of the likes of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota2, local esports teams kept their cool playing for their share of an R1,3 million prize pool – the largest prize pool at any esports event in South Africa. The spectators were captivated, their eyes glued to the live-action. Freeplay areas had gamers trying their skills on the latest titles such as Mortal Kombat, PUBG, and Fortnite, while Xbox exhibited exclusively at the Con. Playstation gave away a highly sought-after limited edition 20th Anniversary PS4, and ATK had state of the art equipment on display for players to test run. Red Bull’s Hit the Streets, a nationwide contest of the best Street Fighter V players from across the country, hosted their finals on the last day of the Con. In line with Comic Con Africa’s aim to uplift and develop local talent, Project Springbok provided a platform for up-and-coming developers to showcase their work.

Comic Con Africa’s newest addition, the first kid-focused convention in South Africa, was KidsCon. But don’t be fooled – KidsCon delighted adults too. The African continent’s largest LEGO® activation saw visitors swallowed up in pools of LEGO® bricks surrounded by LEGO® characters come to life. Kids could meet the My Little Ponies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Nintendo brought Mario and Luigi along with the opportunity to play Splatoon, Mario Kart, and Supersmash Bros Ultimate. BIC and Exclusive Books were there to encourage creativity among other edutainment offerings from Hasbro and ToyZone. Sponsored by Jaguar Landrover, KidsCon was masterminded by our Little Board of Experts, 11 kids who shared their ideas and made KidsCon an event for kids, by kids. Those little experts were very much a part of the Con and strutted their stuff on the KidsCon main stage in the Cotton On fashion shows.

The Ballroom of Gallagher Convention Centre was the scene of a tabletop gaming extravaganza. With bottomless coffee supplied by KFC, tabletop gamers met and engaged in epic battles with cards, dice, and miniature figurines. As the organizing partner of this impressive battlefield, Solarpop encouraged players to engage in the connection and creativity of Tabletop Gaming with their Unplug Yourself arena. Next door in the auditorium were exclusive screenings of Abominable, along with The Angry Birds, films by Black Sands, and many more exciting showings. LARPing took place in the trees of Gallagher Estate, with players battling each other with safe play swords, giant shields, maces, and jousting lances.

The Business of Gaming Forum, now in its second year, was held on Monday. Fascinating keynote addresses, panel discussions, and shared ideas from the gaming industry were the order of the event. Speakers from South Africa, the African continent, and international thought leaders flew in for the day, sharing fascinating content on maximizing the value of gaming as a marketing tool or a commercial product, and the direction of the modern gaming ecosystem.

There truly was something for every fandom at Comic Con Africa 2019. As positive feedback comes flying in from visitors and exhibitors alike, Reed Exhibitions and Reedpop are thrilled to have hosted a second successful Comic Con Africa that remained true to our driving force: always put our fans FIRST! And what comes next? Comic Con Cape Town of course. Put 1 – 3 May 2020 in your diaries to experience the inaugural Comic Con Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium.

Results

Championships of Cosplay

Youth: Jordan as Ayumi

Skills: Mittel Elf Cat Cosplay as Foxy from Five Nights at Freddy’s

Representation: Chaotic Good Cosplay as Moze from Bonderlands 3

Construction: Bites Cosplay as Rathalos Armour from Monster Hunter

Armour: Gammablast Cosply as Arthus from Warcraft 3

Needlework: BlueCat Cosply as Captain Amelia from Treasure Planet

Master Champion: Fredwolf Cosplay as Spawn from Spawn Universe

Champion of Cosplay: Jinxkitty Cosplay as Priestess Bathory

Telkom VS Gaming Tournaments

CS:GO

First place: Energy Esports

Second place: Big 5

Dota2

First place: Goliath Gaming

Second place: Sinister 5

Red Bull’s Hit The Streets Street Fighter V

Jesse "GXJes” Shabangu will proceed to the Grand Finale in Cape Town

Guests

Film and Series

• William Shatner
• Daniel Gillies
• Gaming voice over actors
• Nolan North
• Troy Baker

International Comic Artists

• Will Sliney
• Donny Cates
• James C Mulligan
• Aleksi Briclot
• Jesus Merino
• Paco Diaz
• Tomeu Morey
• David Angelo Roman
• Patric Reynolds
• Black Sands Entertainment
• David Mack
• Zu Orzu
• Ilya Kushinov

Local Artists and Authors

• Lauren Beukes
• Ray Whitcher
• Simangaliso Sibaya
• Terence Maluleke
• Warren Louw
• Jason Masters
• Sean Izaakse
• Mohale Mashigo
• Loyiso Mkize
• Clyde Beech
• Bill Masuku
• Moray Rhoda

International Cosplayers

• Leanna Vamp

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

#UberEats and @KFCSA Announces a Finger Lickin’ Good Partnership @Uber_RSA

Hi Guys,

UberEATS works with over 700 of the top restaurants in Johannesburg and Cape Town to offer people food delivered fresh and at Uber speed. Today, UberEATS and KFC jointly announce that customers in Johannesburg can enjoy their favorite KFC meals delivered right to their home or work, for the first time, through the UberEATS app.

Nic Robertson, General Manager for UberEATS South Africa says, “We are thrilled for UberEATS to be partnering with KFC, giving eaters the opportunity to order their favourite meal at the touch of a button. KFC is one of the most loved brands in South Africa, and we are so excited that UberEATS can help bring eaters the KFC meals they’ve so desperately craved.”

From 7 June 2017 in Joburg and shortly followed by Cape Town, to be announced, eaters can enjoy those Finger Lickin’ Good moments with family and friends which are brought together by the delicious taste of KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken. UberEATS has partnered with restaurants across Johannesburg with an aim to include more restaurants and expand to Cape Town and additional areas soon.

Robertson added “Whether you are at home, your office or at the park, UberEATS has the Finger Lickin’ meal you’re craving ready to be delivered at the tap of a button.”

“At KFC, we are constantly looking for ways to innovate our products and services. Through our new exciting partnership with UberEATS, we are offering our customer’s easier access to our products, to accommodate their busy lifestyles” said, Mike Middleton, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC. “Effortless and quick, this partnership will ensure your favourite KFC meal is in front of you in no time.”

KFC will be showcasing their most favourite items on the UberEATS app, from Streetwise 2 to Twisters, including their famous buckets and other signature meals. To celebrate this partnership, Eaters ordering through the app for the first time can use the promo code KFCEATS, which gives new users 50% off (a value of up to R50 per order) each of their first 2 orders.

Orders can be placed between 7am and 10pm. UberEats will start with KFC restaurants in the Johannesburg inner ring (Fourways, Randburg, Sandton and Bryanston) and will expand soon the Cape Town City Bowl.

Eaters that don’t see the KFC option straight away should not be alarmed, more stores will be added in the coming weeks.

With the touch of a button, eaters can now order their favourite KFC meals without leaving their house or office and get all the convenience, reliability and speed they’ve come to expect from the UberEATS app.

How to download the UberEATS app and order KFC

Ordering through the app is an easy process and eaters simply need to follow the steps below:

• Open UberEATS – Download the app by searching for “UberEATS” in the Apple or Android app store OR access UberEATS online by going to www.UberEATS.com
• Sign in—you can use your existing Uber account for UberEATS. New to Uber? Creating an account is easy.
• Pick your delivery location – Input your address where you’d like your meal delivered
• Find the perfect KFC meal - Browse or search for KFC to find exactly what your tastebuds are asking for
• Place your order – Pick the items you want right now or schedule your order to arrive whenever is most convenient for you
• Promo code - first time users can use the promo code, KFCEATS, which gives new users 50% off their first 2 orders (a value of up to R50 per order).

Cheers!!!

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