Mazda South Africa has taken the art of outdoor advertising to a new sensory level with the unveiling of its Bubble Billboard in Menlyn, Pretoria. A first-of-its-kind installation that releases real bubbles into the air, inviting people to pause, look up, and feel something.
The billboard, which forms part of Mazda’s “The Feeling Will Find You” campaign, captures the magic of Mazda’s new generation design philosophy, one that is less about mechanics and more about emotion, connection, and joy. The sight of bubbles floating across the sky isn’t just playful; it’s a reminder of how driving a Mazda makes you feel; light, free, and wonderfully alive.
“We wanted to create something that doesn’t just tell people what Mazda stands for but lets them experience it. The Bubble Billboard is more than an ad; it’s a feeling. It’s that little spark of wonder you get behind the wheel of a Mazda where design, emotion, and experience come together to make every drive something you feel,” says Deolinda da Costa, Head of Marketing and Communications at Mazda Southern Africa
Positioned at Menlyn, one of the country’s busiest retail and commuter zones, the installation has become a talking point for passersby who are met with a surreal yet simple display of wonder. With each bubble released, Mazda’s creative message comes to life, reminding us that sometimes, it’s the smallest moments that move us most.
Following its success in Menlyn, the Bubbles will continue to spread joy this summer, moving to Sandton (Winnie Mandela Drive) in December and Melville/Franklin Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg (facing traffic travelling from Northcliff, Cresta and Linden) in January. Each stop invites South Africans to pause, look up, and find the wonder in everyday moments just as Mazda inspires on every drive.
“At Mazda, we believe driving isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about how it makes you feel. Bubbles are light, fleeting, and joyful much like that first spark of emotion when you sit behind the wheel of a Mazda. That’s what we mean when we say: The Feeling Will Find You,” adds da Costa.
The Bubble Billboard forms part of Mazda’s broader Wonderrrr Awaits communication platform, which encourages South Africans to rediscover the beauty and feeling in everyday moments, from a morning commute to a spontaneous road trip.
As bubbles drift through the Menlyn skyline, they remind us that sometimes, all it takes is a little wonder to turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.
It is also worth noting the incredible spirit of partnership shown by JCDecaux, who played a pivotal role in bringing this first-of-its-kind innovation to life. Their team went above and beyond to navigate and resolve any challenges along the way, something that’s bound to happen when creating something entirely new. JCDecaux helped find solutions at every step to ensure the project’s success, a true testament to collaboration and creative commitment.