South African media personality and content creator Lasizwe Dambuza has taken his career to new heights by partnering with popular restaurant chain RocoMamas for his hit YouTube show, Awkward Dates.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old Soweto-born influencer, who recently celebrated surpassing one million subscribers on his YouTube channel.
A New Chapter for Awkward Dates
Taking to Instagram to share the exciting news, Lasizwe expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for this partnership.
“Help me welcome our new home for Awkward Dates! Welcome @RocoMamas. I am so excited to share meals and memories with you,” he wrote.
Lasizwe’s show, Awkward Dates, has become a fan favorite for its entertaining premise, featuring funny, unexpected, and often uncomfortable interactions between Lasizwe and his celebrity guests. The collaboration with RocoMamas promises to add even more flavor—both figuratively and literally—to the series.
Why RocoMamas?
In an interview with Daily Sun, Lasizwe revealed that the decision to team up with RocoMamas was driven by the brand’s nationwide presence.
“What made me partner with RocoMamas is their over 90 stores across South Africa. I want my audience to experience the same meals featured on the show and make it a norm to enjoy a date with family, friends, or a potential partner,” he explained.
Previously, Awkward Dates was tied to a restaurant located solely in Johannesburg, which limited accessibility for Lasizwe’s diverse and widespread audience. With RocoMamas’ expansive footprint, viewers from regions like Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Cape Town can now feel more connected to the content.
Lasizwe
“This partnership makes us more relatable and accessible,” he added.
Bridging Food and Entertainment
Lasizwe also addressed the challenges of combining the food and entertainment industries, noting the reluctance of some restaurants to embrace influencer marketing.
“As a content creator, bridging the gap between the food and entertainment industries has always been difficult, especially for restaurants,” he said. “My goal is to show brands that collaborating with influencers can be beneficial and that content creators can effectively create food-related content.”
He emphasized that partnerships like this can significantly boost brand visibility, creating a win-win scenario for both influencers and the businesses they promote.
What Fans Can Expect
The partnership with RocoMamas also comes with exciting updates to the show’s format. Lasizwe hinted at introducing new challenges and interactive segments that will keep audiences entertained.
“We’re incorporating fresh challenges to make the show more engaging,” he revealed. “One of the ideas includes a hot wing challenge where my celebrity guest and I will compete to see who can eat the most hot wings in a short time.”
The goal, Lasizwe explained, is to showcase raw, human moments. “Viewers want to see their favorite celebrities under pressure and watch their reactions. Will they cry? Will they laugh? We’re bringing all of that to Awkward Dates.”
Lasizwe
A Step Toward Greater Opportunities
For Lasizwe, this partnership is not just a business deal but a steppingstone toward broader horizons. With a rapidly growing platform and a strong connection to his audience, he is proving that influencers can bridge industries and drive meaningful collaborations.
“This collaboration is a major milestone for my brand and a steppingstone for future opportunities,” he said.
Fans of Awkward Dates and Lasizwe’s work can expect a fresh and exciting chapter, filled with delicious food, engaging content, and unforgettable moments. As the show continues to evolve, it’s clear that Lasizwe is just getting started.