2020/2021 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film

From the buzzing nightclubs of Lagos to the bustling markets of Tunis; a portrait of the modern African experience. Our film opens with our four protagonists, their lives guiding the viewer on a visceral journey through the continent in 2019, a celebration of authenticity and the shattering of clichés. Music building, we cut to our musician Blinky Bill, sun setting on Nairobi, for the first piece of sync. Into the chorus, pace continuing to quicken; lush forests of the Nairobi National Park with Shanelle Nyasiase juxtaposed with the urban gardens of Lagos and Abiola Oke. As the sebene starts we swirl into the clubs of Lagos & Nairobi with their kaleidoscope of colours, movement and people. Back to the verse, a moment to breathe in the serenity of the Mediterranean with Malek Labidi. Music building for a final time and we are propelled back onto the rooftop with Blinky Bill.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

Although contemporary Nigerian superstars like Davido and Burna Boy have found success all over Sub-Saharan Africa, for the most part, the African music markets are very regional, and local artists that are huge in Kenya can be completely unknown in Ghana, while what’s big in the night-clubs of Durban would most likely clear the floor in Lagos. One of the most unifying styles of 20th century African music was the Congolese ‘soukous’, which evolved from Congolese rumba in the 1960s. One of the core ingredients of this was known as the ‘sebene’ - an instrumental bridge, normally an uplifting guitar solo - about two thirds of the way through, where the pace would pick up, while dancers would come out and wow the crowd. This is what inspired us to use Congolese Soukous and the 'sebene' as a foundation for the track.

Tell the jury about the creation of the original music track.

The intention was to create an uplifting, pan-African track that personified the vibrancy of contemporary, urban Africa while avoiding outdated western ideas of African music and genuinely resonate with the African audience. Written and produced by Kenyan musician Blinky Bill for the campaign, he was able to put his twist on original lyrics supplied by the creative agency, add insightful touches, and keep a natural integration of the brand.