Nando's is back with its flame-grilled humour, and this time, the punchline comes with a Coldplay soundtrack and a side of scandal.
A cheeky promo poster recently surfaced online, offering a free side with any main meal when customers use the code 'COLDPLAY.' But it wasn't just a random marketing gimmick, it was a sizzling jab at a viral moment that's had the internet buzzing since mid-July.
The saga began at Coldplay's 16 July concert at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. A now-infamous kiss cam moment captured a man and a woman, both of whom appeared startled to be caught on screen. She turned away and hid her face, while he ducked down in his seat. What seemed like an awkward exchange soon snowballed into full-blown controversy, when online sleuths alleged the two were Andy Byron, then-CEO of US tech firm Astronomer, and HR head Kristin Cabot, both reportedly married to other people.
As the footage circulated widely, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin even remarked on stage, 'Uh-oh, what? Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy.' The clip, shared by the pop culture platform Pop Base, ignited a frenzy of memes and commentary online.
And Nando's, known for its spicy food and spicier wit, wasted no time turning the awkward moment into a marketing opportunity. While the South African brand operates globally, the Coldplay-themed promotion appeared via its Australian franchise's Instagram, prompting fans to note, 'Nando's is at it again.'