AMV BBDO’s Black Shines Brightest campaign for Guinness in Africa continues with a story about how football fans find ingenious ways to make the experience of watching the game accessible for everyone. Brothers tells of the relationship between Miracle, and his brother, Abidemi, who are united behind their shared passion for football. Miracle is blind.

The commercial is set in a Nigerian football viewing centre. The public viewing centres are an extension of stadiums in many African cities. They are now a popular destination for weekends and some midweek evenings during the European football season to bring people together and share their passion for the game. This is also the place where Miracle, his brother Abidemi and their social group make the experience brighter for all, through their creative ingenuity, passion and infectious fandom for the football game. Miracle is a fan who uses his enthusiasm and spirit to bring football to life for others, both in a viewing centre and pitch side at a street game. Only at the end of the commercial do viewers learn that Miracle is blind but despite not being able to see, he still brings an infectious energy that inspires others. He embodies how football and life is not just about what you see but what you feel.

Since launching in 2021, Black Shines Brightest has led to 1.5 million drinkers new Guinness drinkers across Africa.

Guinness global marketing manager, Olawale Adetula, commented, “It has been a joy and a privilege to work with this group to create a piece of work with such a powerful message. Our lead whose real name is Miracle truly personifies his name and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story inspires everyone that comes across it.”

AMV BBDO creatives, Dan Kennard and Ben Smith, added, “When casting Miracle, we instantly connected with his boundless energy and saw how much that, like us, he wanted to represent the visually impaired community on a much bigger scale. We think his magnetic personality shines through and will resonate with not only football fans, the inclusive community, but with everyone.”

Throughout the creative process, from script to production, members of the blind and visually impaired community were consulted to ensure that the advert reflects an authentic experience. 

The 30- and 15- ads will be running on TV, social and OOH across various markets in Africa.

Credits:

Client: Diageo (Guinness)
Global Marketing Manager: Olawale Adetula

Creative Agency: AMV BBDO
Chief Creative Officers: Nadja Lossgott & Nicholas Hulley 
Creative Team: Ben Smith & Dan Kennard
Planner: Joe Smith
Account Team: Ella Dolding & Elana Murphy
Producer: Leo Rowbotham
Business Affairs: Maxine Thompson 

Media Agencies: PHD & OMD South Africa

Production Company: Giant 
Director: Paul Ward
Producer: Emma Lundy

Editors: Xander van der Westhuizen & Emily Bussac @ Strangelove
Post-production Company: UNIT 
Colour Grading: Alex Greory @ No8
Sound Studio: Sam Ashwell @ 750mph
Audio Post-production: 750mph