This summer, KFC’s iconic bucket has been reimagined in a bold and vibrant new look by Cape Town illustrator and musician Elio Moavero.
Known for his energetic, rock ‘n’ roll-inspired art, Moavero brings his unique, eclectic style to KFC’s latest Festive campaign. The result is a limited-edition bucket design that he describes as “the perfect setting to bring a whole bunch of people together.”
Balancing his roles as a visual artist and as a bassist and singer in a band, Moavero infuses his design with the essence of summer festivals and lively gatherings. “For me, summer is about being outdoors, listening to music, and enjoying great times with friends and family,” he explains. “That’s the vibe I wanted to capture in this design—it’s full of fun and energy.”
This collaboration is part of KFC’s ongoing initiative to work with South African artists, encouraging them to reinterpret the brand’s iconic bucket through a contemporary lens
For the first time, Moavero’s art will also feature on KFC’s other summer-themed packaging, extending his vision beyond the bucket.
Grant Macpherson, KFC’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlights the campaign’s focus on celebrating the brand’s role in special moments, particularly during the festive season. “The bucket isn’t just a vessel for sharing,” he says. “It represents quality, trust, and now, through Elio’s work, it symbolizes togetherness, music, and celebration.”
Macpherson underscores how packaging helps define KFC’s identity. He recalls a fan’s playful tweet about the Streetwise Bucket for One, describing it as “champagne on ice,” which underscored the emotional connection people have with the brand’s design. “That tweet reminded us of the power of packaging—it can elevate the experience and enhance the product’s relevance.”
For Moavero, food and celebration go hand in hand, a perspective shaped by his upbringing in a lively Italian family in Johannesburg. He recalls how food played a central role in creating memorable moments at family gatherings. “KFC, especially during festive times, is like a refreshing pause between summer’s big events—it’s there for parties, family gatherings, and all the season’s celebrations.”
Moavero’s artistic style, influenced by cartoons and comics, thrives on simplicity and humor. His band, Painted Flowers, performs a “modern take on Sixties and Seventies rock ’n’ roll,” and his bucket design reflects this rhythmic energy through his signature chaotic aesthetic. “I listen to a lot of music while I work,” he shares. “Music and art feed off each other, and KFC gave me the freedom to explore my excitement for this summer. I can’t wait to see people enjoying their fried chicken with my design.”
KFC’s history of collaborating with notable South African creatives like Karabo Poppy, Yay Abe, Slaying Goliath, Shaun Oakley, and Megan Bird has consistently generated excitement among customers. “The right packaging sparks intrigue and anticipation before you even touch the food,” Macpherson says.
With Moavero’s vibrant artwork, KFC’s bucket transcends its role as a container. It becomes a celebration of summer’s feel-good moments, a symbol of connection over shared meals, and a tribute to the joy of simple gatherings.
More info about KFC
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. It’s the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker.
The fast food chain serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive flavour and have a great experience.
KFC’s Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky.
Today, KFC is the world’s most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel’s secret recipe to his exact standards. Every restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time.
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