Inkunzi Emnyama Ibuyile – The Black Bull is back
Castle Milk Stout is thrilled to reveal the return of their iconic symbol, the black bull, on its primary and secondary packaging. To the brand, the Inkunzi Emnyama icon represents strength, power and boldness. As part of the celebrations of the Black Bull’s return, Castle Milk Stout gathered African thought leaders, media guests and the cast of Black Conversations to enjoy a bold taste while in conversation with African culture curators.
Seasoned radio broadcaster Thabo “Tbose” Mokwela hosted the event at the modern eatery, Artistry Restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg. The panel consisted of Mzilikazi Wa Afrika, an investigative journalist and advocate for a brand-led African renaissance; Thebe Ikalafeng, 100 Most Influential Africans; Mbuso Khoza, a legendary musician and Buhlebendalo Mda, a heritage enthusiast and healer. They unpacked the challenges of authentic storytelling in Africa.
Speaking on the topic of black storytelling and preserving history, Mda stressed the challenge of battling with the unknown: “We are trying. We live in a world where we are influenced by so many things and cultures and as South Africans, we try to never lose our culture, and we need to give ourselves credit for it instead of constantly criticising and blaming each other for losing ourselves.”
Khoza emphasised the questioning of every single tradition, ritual, and cultural practice. “When one does not question, one ceases to learn and understand,” Khoza said. “When something is a secret, it does not mean it is sacred.”
Wa Afrika said: “Africans have lost touch with what is truly African. Our African clothes are shunned. We need to continue to share our African stories to preserve who we are.”
Ikalafeng said every time he travels, he feels connected to his African roots.
The event culminated with a viewing of one of the episodes of season 3 of Castle Milk Stout Black Conversations that covered black storytelling. The episode features renowned actor Warren Masemola, co-founder of Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Desiree Markgraaff; actor and director Sello Maake ka Ncube and author of Hlomu The Wife Dudu Busani-Dube.
The celebrity-laden panel provided context as to why black stories are not represented accurately and are not told by actual Africans who hold the truth of the experiences faced by African people. They dissected black storytelling by examining whether there has been progress or regress in African storytelling, and the stereotyping and typecasting of black characters. They debated to what extent writers and creatives are perpetuating the stereotype that African stories should fit a certain narrative, which is often violent.
Marketing Manager Khwezi Vika says Castle Milk Stout decided to launch Black Conversations in 2022 as a platform to encourage black South Africans to openly discuss topics that are generally held in hushed tones behind closed doors.
“The brand exists to inspire Africans to rediscover their African traditions and values in the modern world. Our consumers call Castle Milk Stout Inkunzi Emnyama because of their affection for the brand and because our liquid is black in colour and bold in taste. This, we wanted to portray by giving African voices a chance to be strong and bold in their opinions through Castle Milk Stout Black Conversations,” Vika said.
“What we do as a brand is preserve culture. The brand is a protagonist for Africans to preserve and be proud of their culture and tradition. This is one of the reasons we have brought back the bull symbol to our packaging. It is a symbol of strength and power.”
The much-anticipated Season 3 of Castle Milk Stout Black Conversations will comprise six episodes, and each topic will be discussed and aired over two episodes.
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