“Awesome”: BMW Celebrates Dr Esther Mahlangu’s Iconic Art in Their i5 Flow NOTSOKANA, SA Moved

• A local car enthusiast got a rare inside look at BMW's futuristic i5 Flow NOTSOKANA at a car exhibition in Shanghai
• The man spoke with one of the guys who worked on the futuristic and groundbreaking work of art and design, and their clip was shared on Instagram
• Social media users flooded the comment section, singing Dr. Esther Mahlangu's praises and expressing how much pride she brings to Mzansi
• Briefly News spoke with Tendani Muthumuni, the owner of TD Autoworx, about BMW’s futuristic i5 Flow NOTSOKANA and what makes it a game-changer in world-class cars

A vibey video captured a petrolhead at a motor show speaking with a specialist named Joseph, who worked on the colour-changing BMW i5 Flow NOTSOKANA in Shanghai, China.

His clip was shared on the Instagram account thecarscene_, attracting massive views, likes, and comments from social media users impressed by the technologically advanced luxury car.

The BMW i5 turns heads

The clip starts with the two men standing in front of the luxury car, which is standing at the centre of the stage, showing off its beauty. Joseph, who helped design BMW's art cars, explains that the futuristic whip changes colour through an LCD interface, which switches shades just 15 seconds after a tap.

He shared that its name, NOTSOKANA, is a tribute to Dr Esther's eldest son, a nod to the Ndebele tradition, and that the car takes direct inspiration from her 1991 BMW art car. Joseph points at the sleek design while chatting about how it's a fusion of culture and cutting-edge tech, and it looks lit under those exhibition lights.

Watch the Instagram video below:

BMW's colour-changing car

The Briefly News spoke with Tendani Muthumuni to hear what a local mechanic thinks of the tech behind BMW's new colour-shifting ride and what it means for the future of motoring.

We asked Tendani his first reaction to the BMW i5 Flow NOTSOKANA. He responded:

"Yoh, my jaw dropped! As someone who works with cars, I am used to engines and suspensions, but this car is on another level. The colour-changing feature is wild, it’s like something out of a movie."

The team asked if he thinks we’ll see such tech on everyday cars soon. The man shared:

"Not anytime soon, to be honest with you. Right now, it's more for show cars and big launches. The cost must be high. But give it a few years, once the tech gets cheaper, who knows? Maybe one day we'll be changing car colours from our phones."

When asked what it means for Mzansi to have Dr Esther Mahlangu's art on a car like this, Tendani said:

"That's the part that gave me chills. It's not just about tech, it's about culture. Seeing gogo Esther's work on a futuristic BMW being shown in Shanghai? That's a proudly South African man, a showcase of Ndebele culture on a one-of-a-kind high-tech invention. It's our heritage on the global stage."

Mzansi shows Dr Esther Mahlangu respect

Social media users took to the comment section to show the Ndebele gogo some love. Many gushed over how amazing it was to see a South African legend's work being celebrated abroad. Some said it was emotional to witness our culture in the global spotlight.

Others were sure that the price tag might make the car a permanent dream for them, but they still beamed with pride for Dr Esther's legacy moving through tech.

User @seagrampearce said:

"This is awesome, seeing Esther get more coverage. I was privileged enough to be the one who shot and filmed Esther's follow-up on the 7 Series Art Car several years ago. I have it on my profile and website."

User @chaddernator shared:

"I dreamt about LCD paint job, and here it is."

User @tshepang_majorgeneral_ramokone comment:

"Mam Esther is definitely going to greater heights, siyathokoza MaMahlangu!🤝🏽❤️."

User @kumbiraim added:

"No DNA, just RSA."

User @ofentse_explores shared:

"I just started learning painting Ndebele art 😍❤️... From Kwagga to the world."

User @siphesihlemagagula said:

"And the 1991 car he speaks of is currently parked at the Wits Art Museum in Braamfontein if you want to see it."

3 Briefly News articles about cars

• A car journalist shocked petrol attendants after showing them a monthly instalment of R104K for a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 63.
• A local man shared pictures of a head-on collision between a Lamborghini and a Toyota Tazz, leaving social media users debating which car was in the wrong.
• A Cape Town auntie asked to take photos next to a Ferrari in Camp Bay and later asked for the guy's number.

Source: Briefly News