— Lifestyle, Press Releases —

KOO Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Heartfelt Movement: A Song For Ma

May 30, 2025

For over 80 years, KOO has been part of South African households, standing side-by-side with the women who’ve nourished and nurtured generations. This year, KOO is reimagining Mother’s Day as more than just a celebration it’s launching A Song For Ma, a nationwide campaign that calls on South Africans to honour the women who raised us through a uniquely local tradition: iGwijo.

What is iGwijo?

iGwijo is a powerful form of traditional call-and-response singing that brings people together to uplift, unify, and express deep emotion. This time-honoured practice often heard at sports events, schools, and community gatherings is being turned into a moving tribute to mothers and mother figures through song.

A Song For Ma: A Movement of Melody and Memory

“At KOO, we know that mothers don’t just make meals they make memories,” says Neo Dikamotse, Marketing Manager for KOO at Tiger Brands. “So many of those memories were made with KOO products at the heart of family meals. With A Song For Ma, we want to say thank you with rhythm, heart, and harmony.”

Inspired by the iconic Thank You Mom jingle that resonated in South African homes over 30 years ago, this modern version invites a new generation to express their gratitude through music. The initiative encourages students, teachers, and communities to create and perform their own Gwijo tributes to the mother figures in their lives.

Competition Details

The campaign kicks off with a school singing competition that runs from 29 April to 31 May 2025. Schools across the country are invited to:

  • Compose and perform a Gwijo-style tribute to mothers or mother figures

  • Record a 1–2 minute video of the performance

  • Rally students in full school uniform to bring team spirit and heartfelt energy

  • Share how KOO products feature in meals and memories

  • Tag @KooFoodSA and use the hashtag #KOOSongForMom

  • Include the full name of the school in the caption

What’s at Stake?

Besides sharing love, students stand a chance to win cash prizes of up to R30,000, while their schools could win prizes worth R200,000—including:

  • A revamped tuck shop

  • Upgraded cafeteria facilities

  • Musical instruments

  • KOO-branded transportation

A Cultural Collaboration

At the heart of this campaign is a collaboration with the Gwijo Squad, who bring authenticity and cultural depth to the initiative. “This is more than just a song,” the group shared. “It’s a love letter to the women who’ve shaped us, fed us with food for the body and soul, and carried us through life. We’re honoured to be part of a movement so rooted in our heritage.”

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone looking to honour a mother figure this Mother’s Day, A Song For Ma is a chance to celebrate love, food, and legacy in the most uniquely South African way through the power of song.

Follow @KooFoodZA on Facebook, @Koo_Food on X, and @Koofoodsa on Instagram for more information, inspiration, and updates on entries and prizes.

Let your voice be heard. Let your heart sing. This Mother’s Day, join KOO in singing A Song For Ma.

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