Meet Nwabisa Lisa, the dynamic founder of KwaLisa Soulfood, a culinary venture that seamlessly blends her love for food with a diverse range of talents. Nwabisa Lisa, was Born and bred in the vibrant city of Cape Town, her journey from the corporate world to the realm of radio and eventually into the kitchen is a testament to her unwavering passion for food and hospitality.
With a background in Accounting, Nwabisa made a bold career shift in 2013, leaving behind the confines of the corporate sector to pursue her true calling in radio broadcasting. Over the years, she graced the airwaves of numerous radio stations in Cape Town, including Ccfm 107.5, Radio Zibonele, and Cape Pulpit Radio, carving a niche for herself as a versatile and engaging broadcaster.
Despite her success in radio, Nwabisa's heart was always drawn to the culinary arts. "My love for cooking started at a very young age at home," she reminisces. "Our family was a hub of hospitality, and I found joy in hosting and creating content for events." This innate passion for food, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, led her to establish KwaLisa Soulfood – a culinary venture that celebrates the rich tapestry of South African cuisine.
Nwabisa's culinary journey is marked by her diverse range of experiences, from serving as a Real Estate Agent to donning the hats of a Chef, Caterer, Cooking events host, Brand ambassador, and Collaborator. Her ventures, such as the Cape Town Victory Music Awards and Woman's Path, underscore her commitment to not only culinary excellence but also community engagement and empowerment.
"At KwaLisa Soulfood, we specialize in South African cuisine while also catering to the diverse preferences of our customers," Nwabisa explains. Beyond catering, she extends her culinary expertise to hosting cooking classes, catering to home cooks seeking new, easy, and delicious recipes. Her classes, born out of the overwhelming demand following her social media food posts, have garnered a loyal following in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Gqeberha.
"To empower myself in the industry, I immersed myself in chef shadowing programs and hands-on training," Nwabisa reveals. Her dedication to honing her craft earned her accolades, including a coveted stint as a Guest Chef on Afternoon Express in 2019, where she showcased her culinary prowess to a wider audience.
As part of KwaLisa Soulfood's vision, Nwabisa aims to transcend traditional catering by offering Sunday lunch for collection and delivery, alongside catering services for events of all sizes. Looking ahead, her aspiration is to establish pop-up restaurants across the country, embodying the ethos of "Welcome Home" with elegant home-cooked meals.
Nwabisa's culinary journey took a new turn in November 2023 with the launch of the cooking show, INTO IKWI SPICE, airing every Sunday on Cape Town TV Channel 263 DSTV. The show not only features budget-friendly recipes but also serves as a platform for engaging conversations with guests on everyday topics, all while cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Her expertise and love for cooking were further showcased in her participation in the SA Chef Women in Culinary Western Cape Event in 2023, where she joined fellow women in the culinary industry in a celebration of their craft.
When asked about her kitchen essentials, Nwabisa's response reflects her culinary philosophy: "You will never find me without Paprika, Cumin, and Garlic; they elevate all dishes." With her infectious passion for food and hospitality, Nwabisa Lisa continues to inspire and delight audiences, leaving an indelible mark on South Africa's culinary landscape.