Sneaker king finesses with his fragrance
Did the “dripping with finesse” lyrics from Bruno Mars’s 2016 hit song inspire the name for Mzansi sneaker king Lekau Sehoana’s new venture?
That’s what I was wondering on Tuesday evening when I attended the launch of the Drip footwear founder’s new fragrance and learnt that, coincidentally or not, it is named Finesse.
The venue was Imbizo, a chic shisanyama in the Mall of Thembisa not far from where the 33-year-old entrepreneur famously grew up, struggling to make ends meet before his dexterity with stitching tattered takkies became the spark of what is now said to be a multimillion-rand empire.
Walking inside, I pick up a flute of Boulevard rosé bubbly before saying hello to the DJ whose name is linked to the MCC brand. That’s DJ Zinhle Jiyane, who is there with her beau Bongani Mohosana, better known as singer Murdah Bongz.
On to greeting another artist, Langa Mavuso, who was wearing his signature black-rimmed, orange-lensed shades. Casting my eye at the rest of his sombre attire, I advise the Mvula crooner to avoid wearing boring black next time, before we go on to chat about his upcoming gig.
The South African Music Award-nominated artist will be accompanied by a full orchestra for a show at the amphitheatre at Freedom Park in Pretoria at the end of next month.
On to catching up with someone who might be nursing a bruised ego after losing his much-touted celebrity boxing match against Anga “NaakMusiQ” Makubalo last weekend.
That’s Cassper Nyovest, who I grill on what he could have done differently in the fiveround match that Anga won on points.
“Personally, I think I should have fought slower — to break him down rather than trying to knock him out,” says the showman rapper.
Then it’s hello Brandon Reynolds, who many on social media know as Zinhle’s bestie.
What most don’t know is that his dad, Ashwin Reynolds, is the owner of Kommetdieding, the thoroughbred which has electrified the local racing world after winning the Durban July and the Cape Met.
Brandon tells me his dad is eyeing Turffontein for the upcoming Premier’s Champions Challenge at the end of this month. The colt, known as the “people’s champion”, in part because the Reynoldses hail from Grassy Park, has been up in the Highveld for the past month in preparation for Gauteng’s big race day.
Then on to greeting marketing guru Thebe Ikalafeng, who is a loud-hailer for home-grown brands like Drip but who isn’t thrilled that two hours in, the official bits haven’t started yet.
We are seated at a series of long tables, tastefully decorated in a monochrome theme, with massive bouquets of roses, where we are served a three-course feast. I accept the vegetarian starter, which features an avocado ring on a bed of vegetable salad. My tablemate to the left gets the chicken option, which is exactly the same except for lemon and coriander-charred chicken strips atop, which he tells me are a tad too overcooked.
When proceedings do get started, we are welcomed by TV presenter-turned-rapper Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena, who assures us “we don’t have a hectic programme”.
“The most important thing is you guys eating, drinking and having fun.”
True to form, the rest of the programme speeds through, with Lekau explaining that despite his humble beginnings, “I didn’t want to be a hustler — I want to build a legacy”.
Back to Nomuzi, and she explains that she happens to be Finesse’s creative director as she unveils the his and hers perfumes, which come in D-shaped glass bottles.
And she reveals that Zinhle and Bongz are the spokespeople for the fragrance.
Next, we have Zakes Bantwini hitting the decks, but not before the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Award for song of the year nominee calls the Drip Group CEO back on stage to commend him on his growing empire and gifts him some Louis Vuitton swag in recognition. Outside the new fragrances, this empire already includes 16 stores and a kiddies clothing brand
As for the rest of the meal, I savour the lamb shank, which is served with butter crumble pap, biltong potato mash and a reduction of umhluzi. However, I don’t stay for the malva pudding with caramel custard dessert, nor do I get the chance to chat to Lekau about his musical taste.
At R549 a pop, this 100ml bottle might be a little on the steep side. But considering how lucrative the fragrance market is, Finesse gives this Ivory Park-raised township entrepreneur a sweet-smelling chance to keep dripping with success.