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SA celebs making big bucks through their stakes in the booze industry
Cassper Nyovest announced his new alcoholic beverage, Billiato, to become the latest SA celebrity capitalising on the liquor industry.
Cassper Nyovest and more celebs such as Boity, DJ Zinhle and Bonang in the alcohol industry. Picture: Instagram
More and more celebrities are taking advantage of partnerships with alcohol brands, and Cassper Nyovest is no different as he has just launched a new project in the alcohol industry.
On Sunday, the rapper announced his own luxury alcoholic beverage, Don Billiato set to launch in November.
Cassper can be heard rapping lyrics from his track Egyptian Cotton from the album ‘Any Minute Now’ for the promotional video.
Cassper raps: “Egyptian cotton, I sleep in peace while you speak of me. Disorientated reality has become like dreams. Been contemplatin’ giving up rap and become like Keith. That’s Keith Bothongo, oh where’s my manners, that’s Doctor B!”
No further details were given by Cassper, but Billiato Ultra-Premium is “a taste of wealth” according to the video description.
Despite the pandemic and the constant restrictions on booze, celebs are still keen to risk it, and there has been an increasing number of local stars jumping on the booze train.
Instead of being brand ambassadors, many celebs have decided to be owners and have more control over their money.
Celebrities who have built businesses in the alcohol industry
Bonang Matheba
‘Queen B’ launched her own bubbly in 2019, capitalising on her catchphrase “champagne darling.”
The media personality officially launched a Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) titled House of BNG. The MCC is the equivalent of champagne in South Africa.
BNG has become a household name and a chosen drink at some award shows and events. BNG is sold nationwide at Woolworths and Checkers stores, often selling out. In 2020 the Brut and Brut Rosé, which retails for R399 and Prestige at R799 was the number one selling MCC in Woolworths.
RELATED: A Very Bonang Year – BNG number one selling MCC at Woolworths
Bonang expanded her House of BNG with a sparkling wine, Nectar Rose, stored in stylish cases.
Boity Thulo
Also always the businesswoman, Boity has made imprints in fragrance, fitness, haircare, and music. She has now expanded her empire to have her own cider.
The alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are called BT Signature and launched on 1 April.
The beverage is a peach frizzante and can be found on the shelves of Shoprite and Shoprite liquor stores. The brand is a collaboration between Boity and Matthew Krone, a celebrated winemaker.
ALSO READ: Boity on new drink: ‘More ownership instead being an ambassador’
DJ Zinhle
Another artist making boss moves is DJ Zinhle, who similar to Boity has made big business decisions outside music.
Zinhle acquired equity in the international sparkling wine beverage, Boulevard Nectar Rosè and took over as CEO.
Boulevard nectar rosè sold out after Zinhle’s announcement in October 2020. The Boulevard brand is described as emerging from six generations of winemakers, in the Rhone Valley, Southern France.
Rosè is a deep pink colour with aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry and cherry.
Other notable mentions include Thapelo Mokoena’s Nero red wine with Bosman’s, Kelly Khumalo’s gin Controversy, and AKA’s partnership with Cruz Vodka.
