When a famous, infectious smile meets a delicious and equally famous ice cream cone in Kenya, a collaboration is born that is destined to leave its mark.

Non Solo Gelato, the chain of Italian ice cream parlours, cafés and restaurants founded in 2014 by Anna Leali, has chosen Timothy Kimani, alias Njugush, one of Kenya's most popular actors and influencers, as its new official brand ambassador.

This partnership between the sweet prince of Made in Italy in the country and the top influencer is one that smacks of modernity and roots: on the one hand, a brand born on the beach of Watamu, which has grown to become one of the most recognised gastronomic realities in the country; on the other, Njugush, a symbol of Kenyan talent and irony, capable of entertaining millions of people from Mombasa to Kisumu.

From the sea of Watamu to the heart of Nairobi

Anna Leali arrived in Kenya in 2005 and started out with a small artisan ice cream parlour where “Italian quality, Kenyan soul” was more than just a slogan. Today, Non Solo Gelato has seven outlets: five in Nairobi (Yaya Centre, Sarit, Westlands, Village Market and Muthaiga Heights) and two on the coast — in Watamu, in the Blue Moon Shopping Centre, and in Malindi, in the Piazzetta del Billionaire Resort owned by Flavio Briatore.

And soon, two new openings will consolidate the brand's presence in the main tourist resorts.

A success that speaks the language of craftsmanship: gelato, pastries, pizza and Mediterranean dishes produced entirely in-house, in a process that goes ‘from recipe to counter’, without industrial shortcuts.

Njugush: authenticity with a teaspoon of irony

Njugush, actor, comedian and content creator, is a true icon of the African web. His everyday humour and direct style make him the perfect embodiment of Non Solo Gelato's values: positivity, authenticity and closeness to people.

His debut as brand ambassador has already gone viral thanks to the slogan “Don't call it ice cream, it's GELATO”, an invitation to distinguish between a simple dessert and a taste experience.

“Not just a brand, but a bridge between two cultures”

‘Non Solo Gelato is not just a brand, it is a life project that unites Italy and Kenya through the universal language of taste,’ explains Andrea Vernizzi, CEO of the group. ‘With Njugush, we share a vision of authenticity, energy and confidence in Kenya's future. He is the natural choice to accompany us in the next phase of growth.’ This phase heralds new openings, following the recent one in Malindi.

The collaboration will include social media campaigns, events and initiatives in all stores, with the aim of strengthening ties with the local community and raising awareness of the brand among those who, until now, have only looked at it with curiosity from the shop windows.

Italy in taste, Kenya in the heart

With Njugush at its side, Non Solo Gelato consolidates its role as a cultural and entrepreneurial bridge between Italy and Kenya: an example of how a passion born on the shores of the ocean can be transformed into a national success story and a source of Italian pride at the equator.

And as often happens in these parts, it all started with a simple ice cream — served with a smile, under the Watamu sun.