“Campaigns like those from Channel O, Nando’s, Tusker and Ster Kinekor make being a creative in Africa something to be proud of,” notes Reilly.

“As an agency, producing African solutions to African challenges – especially in the world of digital and mobile – is something we’ve worked really hard to achieve. We’re exceptionally proud of the Tusker Lager Grand Prix win in the Digital and Interactive Mobile category this past weekend.” 

Net#work BBDO was the only agency to snatch two Grand Prix awards at the awards.

Speaking about the second Grand Prix win for Chicken Licken’s “Kung Fu” in the TV, Film & Video category, Reilly says that it’s an example of work that is African, without being obvious or clichéd. “It taps directly into the insight that a lot of South African kids, particularly in the townships, grew up watching kung fu films, and they took on an unlikely cult status. Marry that with a local hero and you’ve got a recipe for a highly surprising, but highly relevant idea that transcends the obvious.” 

“Being local and relevant is not about simply holding up a mirror, it’s about finding fresh insight and then using that to create something new; something that ignites people’s imaginations and that resonates because it is rooted in truth.”

Following this weekend’s awards, BBDO boasts an unprecedented 19 Grand Prix Loeries won over 22 years. In total, the agency group took 26 awards, four Gold, three Silver, seven Bronze and 10 Craft Certificates.

Chief creative officer for BBDO South Africa, Mike Schalit, comments: “It’s incredibly gratifying that BBDO agencies across the continent have been so well awarded this year. In fact, BBDO Africa took its first Grand Prix for the Tusker work done in partnership with BBDO Mediaedge in Kenya.”

Net#work MD Gau Narayanan says that it’s fantastic to see the category in which the Tusker Grand Prix specifically was won. “Taking home the highest honour in a category that is so hotly contested amongst agencies, is brilliant. The future, especially in Africa, will be led by mobile and digital as the platforms of choice – and six of our awards speak directly to this capability.”

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