Kasi Pride campaign in Mamelodi

Meet Renei Solana a Blue Ribbon Share your Kasi’Pride campaign ambassador nominee.

The Atteridgeville resident and post-graduate student also known as “Ngwana Ref” (referee’s child) was selected as one of the campaign ambassadors to represent Pretoria because of her Kasi heritage which she celebrates through music.

The 21-year-old’s love for music and dancing catapulted her into the entertainment industry and now she is recognised for helping to put the Amapiano culture on the map.

She’s refers to as “Ngwana Ref” for her ability to incorporate the whistle, often used by referees to adjudicate football and rugby games, in dance compilations and Amapiano songs.

She said her passion for music and dance began at a very young age.

“I have had an attentive ear from listening to Afro-soul and jazz around the age of seven years.”

“I am truly honoured, it is not every day that one is picked from the vast options of people to be recognised or even referred to as one of the pillars and impactful people in their community. Truly a beautiful yet overwhelming feeling,” she added.

Sarah Hoyte of Blue Ribbon said Blue Ribbon Kasi’sPride is a fun and inspiring campaign which places emphasis on the social values of togetherness, community pride, strength and family – the very heart and soul of what makes South Africa great.

She said the campaign identifies and acknowledges those that live their lives with others in mind, while at the same time calling on all community members to share why they are proud to live in their communities.

“The campaign seeks to help cultivate an even stronger community bond and a feeling of togetherness and shared experience in our townships and communities,” said Hoyte.

“The campaign is for everyone in the communities where it is taking place and all community members are allowed to call their local radio station to nominate and celebrate their Kasi Heroes. The participating radio stations include Mams FM,” she said.

The public is called to participate by nominating and tagging their community heroes using the #BlueRibbonKasiPride on social media.

She said after the successful campaign launch in the Western Cape townships in early 2022, it was decided to roll-out the campaign nationally.

“Just like the initial campaign, a series of graffiti walls will be created in designated community areas across the country, utilising the skills of local artists,” she said.

As part of this campaign, during October and November, participating communities across our rainbow nation will be called upon to give a much-deserved shout-out to their community heroes that are making a positive difference in their neighbourhoods.

Blue Ribbon will also be giving back by donating to some of these empowering projects and NGOs live on air.

Renei said her future plan is to use her qualifications to be one of the best on the corporate side of the entertainment industry.

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