iPendoring 2026 Finalists

#XOKE

Vega School at Emeris / Johannesburg + AnesuMatelakengisa / Johannesburg + NyikoSiwele / Johannesburg + Xia-ZannOelofse

Client / Brand
Coca-Cola

Entry Title
#XOKE

Description (View/Hide)
Language should unite people, yet isiXhosa's click consonants are often misunderstood as harsh or intimidating by those unfamiliar with them. XOKE challenged this perception by revealing that click sounds already exist in moments people associate with joy, celebration and connection through the opening of a Coca-Cola bottle, the crack of a can and the clink of shared drinks. The campaign transformed these familiar brand sounds into a creative language that reframed how audiences experienced isiXhosa. Every touchpoint worked together to reinforce the same idea: clicks are not barriers to communication but expressions of culture, belonging and shared humanity.

Out-of-home installations captured attention in public spaces through unexpected sound and visual pairings. Social and digital content extended the conversation by inviting audiences to hear, imitate and share the sounds in everyday situations. Experiential activations encouraged participation, allowing people to discover similarities between Coca-Cola's iconic audio cues and the rhythm of isiXhosa through playful interaction.

Rather than asking audiences to learn a language, the campaign invited them to rediscover sounds they already knew. Coca-Cola became more than a beverage brand, it became a cultural connector, demonstrating that familiarity can replace misunderstanding. By integrating sound, storytelling and participation across every channel, XOKE transformed an everyday brand asset into a catalyst for cultural appreciation, proving that connection often begins with listening differently.

Entered In

Vega School at Emeris / Johannesburg + AnesuMatelakengisa / Johannesburg + NyikoSiwele / Johannesburg + Xia-ZannOelofse

Client / Brand
Coca-Cola

Entry Title
#XOKE

Description (View/Hide)
Language should unite people, yet isiXhosa's click consonants are often misunderstood as harsh or intimidating by those unfamiliar with them. XOKE challenged this perception by revealing that click sounds already exist in moments people associate with joy, celebration and connection through the opening of a Coca-Cola bottle, the crack of a can and the clink of shared drinks. The campaign transformed these familiar brand sounds into a creative language that reframed how audiences experienced isiXhosa. Every touchpoint worked together to reinforce the same idea: clicks are not barriers to communication but expressions of culture, belonging and shared humanity.

Out-of-home installations captured attention in public spaces through unexpected sound and visual pairings. Social and digital content extended the conversation by inviting audiences to hear, imitate and share the sounds in everyday situations. Experiential activations encouraged participation, allowing people to discover similarities between Coca-Cola's iconic audio cues and the rhythm of isiXhosa through playful interaction.

Rather than asking audiences to learn a language, the campaign invited them to rediscover sounds they already knew. Coca-Cola became more than a beverage brand, it became a cultural connector, demonstrating that familiarity can replace misunderstanding. By integrating sound, storytelling and participation across every channel, XOKE transformed an everyday brand asset into a catalyst for cultural appreciation, proving that connection often begins with listening differently.

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