Delano Chengan

8.2.2023

SPOTLIGHTING OUR PEOPLE | Delano Chengan

We sat down with Creative Group Head, Delano Chengan for a little Q&A session about him, the industry and how he got to where he is today. Delano spearheads the Beer Portfolio at M&C Saatchi Abel and is an integral part of Team Heineken and more.

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Q: WHAT IS ONE THING THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I got kicked out of an ad school for not being able to pay. I then worked at a PostNet for a few years to save enough money to apply at Red and Yellow, where I was given a bursary. I graduated as one of the top students and was headhunted by Ogilvy Cape Town. The first ad school shut down.

Q: WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER AND/OR WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY AT M&C SAATCHI ABEL SO FAR?

A: I met my fiancé at M&C Saatchi Abel. When we first met, I would never have imagined that we would eventually build a life together but here we are!

Q: WHAT IS A HOBBY OR POINT OF INTEREST OF YOURS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

A: I love drawing very detailed pieces. I try to focus on the drawing and nothing else. It’s the same reason I also enjoy building Lego technic cars – it’s a good way to disconnect.

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"I personally don’t think that there is a colour that speaks louder than black. Renoir called black the queen of all colours."

Q: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST RIGHT NOW?

A: Zhang Huan, a contemporary artist from China.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR THEME SONG?

A: Wolves by Kanye West.

Q: IF YOU COULD BE ANY PIECE OF CLOTHING ITEM, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

A: Fear Of God California Mule. It’s extremely understated but that’s what makes it brave.

Q: WHAT COLOUR RESONATES WITH YOU AND WHY?

A: I have always been drawn to black. When creating any art pieces now, my medium is always the same, black ink on white paper. It’s a colour associated with both sophistication and counterculture; with elegance and rebellion. I personally don’t think that there is a colour that speaks louder than black. Renoir called black the queen of all colours.