NikNaks, one of South Africa’s most iconic snack brands, is breaking new ground with the launch of Naks Level, the country’s first AI-powered WhatsApp-based mentorship platform. Designed to inspire, educate, and elevate the next generation of young creatives, Naks Level is where technology meets street culture proving that innovation can be as bold, original, and flavourful as the brand itself.
In partnership with Vusi “Bob The Stylist” Ndima of Boys of Soweto, NikNaks is reimagining how mentorship and creativity connect in a digital-first world. Hosted at the Boys of Soweto’s industrial-chic concept store, the Naks Level Masterclass marked the official launch of this movement, a collision of style, culture, and cutting-edge technology.
The event space, drenched in NikNaks’ signature colours, became a living embodiment of the brand’s youthful energy and streetwear-inspired creativity. Through interactive sessions led by Bob The Stylist, attendees explored fashion as a form of self-expression, storytelling, and identity, all while being introduced to the next frontier of mentorship through AI.
“This initiative brings together the power of creativity and the possibilities of technology,” says Nthabiseng Kortjass, Brand Manager at NikNaks. “With Naks Level, we’re giving young South Africans real access to mentorship, to opportunity, and to tools that help them level up their creative hustle. The AI-powered platform ensures that access is always-on, personal, and designed to meet young people where they already are, on WhatsApp.”
The Naks Level platform leverages AI technology to create a dynamic, accessible mentorship experience. Through WhatsApp, users can interact directly with the Naks Level bot, receiving guided prompts, creative challenges, and branding insights inspired by Bob The Stylist’s own mentorship approach.
This AI integration transforms what mentorship looks like replacing one-off workshops with an ongoing, responsive learning journey that adapts to each participant’s progress. It’s a smart, scalable model for youth development that turns any smartphone into a creative classroom.
Participants who complete the challenges stand the chance to win R100 000 towards their fashion brand and spot prizes worth R40 000, further fueling their creative growth.
For NikNaks, Naks Level is more than a campaign, it’s a movement built on the belief that South Africa’s creative economy thrives when access meets opportunity. By fusing fashion, culture, and artificial intelligence, the brand is positioning itself at the forefront of youth innovation.
“We wanted to prove that mentorship doesn’t have to be confined to a classroom or a traditional space,” says Vusi “Bob The Stylist” Ndima. “With Naks Level, we’re bringing mentorship into the hands of the people, literally. It’s about empowering young creatives to push boundaries, tell their stories, and redefine what South African fashion can look like.”
As global conversations around AI and creativity evolve, NikNaks’ Naks Level initiative signals a bold, distinctly South African approach to innovation, one that prioritises accessibility, authenticity, and cultural relevance.
By bridging the gap between tech-driven learning and real-world creativity, NikNaks isn’t just joining the AI revolution, it’s shaping how it speaks to the youth.
Follow the Naks Level journey on @NikNakssa, and join the movement by messaging “Hi” to the Naks Level WhatsApp line 083 693 5028 to start levelling up your creative game. Because in fashion and in life, you’ve got to take it to the Naks Level.
