Emirates has launched a pan-African brand advertising campaign that celebrates the talent and achievements of young Africans, taking the message of ‘New Africa’ to the world. The campaign also features an original music video produced by Kenyan musician and DJ Blinky Bill, inspired by contemporary African electronic club music.
Paying tribute to a new generation of African disrupters who are making their mark globally across music, fashion, literature and the arts, the campaign celebrates the cultural renaissance taking over Africa. The short films produced by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) for Emirates, tells the stories of unique individuals from different parts of the continent. Poised to become cultural ambassadors for Africa to the world, they share a common passion to bring their global exposure and influences to their own local journeys, as they discover what it means to be ‘home’.
“It is impossible to ignore the energy and talent coming out of Africa today, whether in music, fashion, sport or art. We’re seeing a greater awareness of a strong, proud African identity – while being very connected to a broad, global culture. We wanted to join the conversation and celebrate amazing, inspiring stories of people constantly pushing boundaries and challenging African stereotypes. To us, that is what travel is about, to find a common ground that helps us connect, to question, to be curious, and I believe this campaign does just that in taking Emirates closer to the heart of our audience in a way that is authentic,” said Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President – Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, Emirates.
Richard Pattinson, Head of BBC StoryWorks said, “This new series taps into the deep creative strength of the BBC to deliver a campaign that will capture the attention of our extensive and premium audiences in a way that no other publisher can.”
The series gives us a closer look at the inspiring stories of pioneers who represent today’s Africa.
Nairobi-based “Blinky” Bill Sellanga – Kenyan musician, producer and DJ is the embodiment of a renaissance in African music. As part of the Kenyan art and music collective ‘Just A Band’; he has been redefining the modern African musical identity and has performed his music all over Africa, Europe and the rest of the world.
Shanelle Nyasiase is a 21-year-old South Sudanese model who was born in Ethiopia and raised in Kenya. She had dreamt of becoming cabin crew but her journey took her to international catwalks in Milan and New York instead, where she has worked with some of the biggest international fashion brands.
Abiola Oke left New York and a career on Wall Street to return to his hometown Lagos, Nigeria, as the CEO and Publisher of OkayAfrica – a digital media platform – at the age of 31. His business is dedicated to African music, film, culture and entertainment.
The campaign also features an original song with energy-filled music and inspiring lyrics that reflects the beats of contemporary African electronic club music. Produced by Blinky Bill, the song has popular sounds and rhythms that are currently dominating the radio, blasting out of taxicabs and on the dancefloors across the continent. Music is a unifying language not just across Africa, but around the world, and the song does away with cultural clichés, instead celebrating the vibrant energy of contemporary Africa.
Funke Akindele Breaks Box Office Records Again with ‘Everybody Loves Jennifer’
Nollywood superstar and filmmaker Funke Akindele continues her reign as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainment icons, shattering box office records with her latest release, Everybody Loves Jennifer. The film has grossed an impressive $194,560 within just eight days of its premiere, cementing Akindele’s position as a dominant force in the Nigerian film industry.
Another Milestone for Funke Akindele
The achievement comes on the heels of her previous success, where one of her earlier productions earned the title of Nollywood’s highest-grossing film. Everybody Loves Jennifer, a sequel to her beloved Jenifa series, blends humor, drama, and cultural authenticity to captivate audiences worldwide.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Akindele expressed her gratitude to her fans—affectionately known as “Jenifans”—as well as the cast and her industry colleagues.
Her post read: “$194,560 and counting in just 8 days, Who else but God? 🙌 Huge thanks to my tireless cast, fabulous colleagues, and unstoppable Jenifans, YOU are the true superstars.”
The actress paired her words with celebratory emojis, highlighting her joy and deep appreciation for the film’s growing success.
Fans and Industry Applaud Akindele’s Success
Fans and industry insiders alike have flooded her social media with congratulatory messages, lauding her for her consistency and ability to tell relatable stories. Many have described Everybody Loves Jennifer as a masterpiece, blending humor and life lessons with the unmistakable charm of Akindele’s storytelling.
The film, released in major cinemas across Nigeria and select international markets, has seen packed audiences since its debut. Its success reaffirms Akindele’s ability to resonate with viewers across demographics while showcasing the strength of Nollywood as a global entertainment powerhouse.
A Legacy of Excellence
Funke Akindele’s success is no accident. With a career spanning over two decades, she has consistently delivered exceptional performances both as an actress and a filmmaker. From her groundbreaking Jenifa’s Diary series to her forays into blockbuster films, Akindele’s brand is synonymous with quality and cultural relevance.
With Everybody Loves Jennifer breaking records within its first week, the film is poised to set even higher milestones in the coming weeks. As audiences continue to flock to cinemas, it’s clear that Funke Akindele’s ability to capture hearts and deliver box-office hits remains unmatched.
Fans are now eagerly anticipating whether the film will surpass her previous record and claim the top spot as Nollywood’s highest-grossing film. Regardless, Akindele’s achievements serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication and talent in elevating Nigerian cinema to new heights.
Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’
Renowned actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has shed light on the inspiration behind his latest cinematic venture, Seven Doors, revealing that the story draws heavily from the life experiences of a king he had the privilege of knowing closely.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Adebayo emphasized the importance of preserving African culture through storytelling, particularly in film. “It is extremely important to preserve our culture. Creating content—films—[woven] around the beauty of our culture is one of the ways of preserving it, so that the generations yet unborn can also enjoy it and be educated,” he explained.
The filmmaker shared that his proximity to a king and the monarch’s challenges provided the foundation for the movie’s concept. “I was fortunate to be close to a particular king, and it was what he went through that provoked the idea and concept of Seven Doors. Many people see our kings as mini-gods, which they are, but they forget that they are humans with blood running in their veins too. So, they [kings] face a lot before and after they get on the throne. And, that is what we displayed in the movie,” Adebayo said.
Beyond its cultural focus, Adebayo described Seven Doors as a tale deeply rooted in love. “I also want to preach that love is above all. So, where we have a conflict between love and tradition, automatically it is love that wins,” he added.
The movie also stirred interest for its intense and emotionally charged scenes, including a kissing scene with co-star Chioma Chukwuka. Addressing this, Adebayo clarified that it was part of his dedication to the craft. “I was just interpreting the role; getting the character analysis and interpreting it,” he noted.
Despite the buzz surrounding the romantic sequences, Adebayo highlighted a different moment in the film as his favorite. “For me though, the best scene was where they had to lay the chiefs on the floor and beat them. I was not even in that scene,” he said, underscoring his appreciation for the powerful storytelling throughout the film.
Seven Doors has been widely acclaimed for its rich portrayal of culture and its compelling narrative that bridges tradition and the universal theme of love. The film serves as a testament to Adebayo’s commitment to preserving African heritage while telling stories that resonate with audiences across the globe.
Celebrating Baba Gaji: London/Nigerian Legacy Event
Sahara Weekly Reports That Arems Entertainment and Ariya247TV present an evening of cultural celebration, honoring the legendary Baba Gaji and his significant contributions to the London and Nigerian entertainment industry. The grand event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 29th, 2024, at 4pm, at The City Pulse Lounge, located inside LTV 8, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event promises an unforgettable experience with performances from renowned music stars, including:
• Okiki Bright
• Tosin Eniba
• Harmony
• Opee Gaji
Adding to the charm of the night, popular personalities Adewale Konta and Abeke Lacsera will also grace the occasion, ensuring a perfect blend of entertainment and class.
This special gathering aims to celebrate Baba Gaji, a cultural icon whose influence spans continents, particularly highlighting his impact on the music and entertainment scenes in London and Nigeria. The event offers fans, friends, and admirers the opportunity to honor his legacy while enjoying top-tier entertainment.
The City Pulse Lounge provides the perfect setting for this celebration, offering a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere for all attendees.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login