Awards Wrap: New Media takes a bit out of the Big Apple, all the Loeries winners, African stars shine at 2021 MTV EMAS nominations announcement

The Media Online’s weekly column delivering news of award wins, entries, competitions, dates to note and winners in the media industry.

New Media wins big in New York

South African content marketing agency New Media has taken a big bite of the Big Apple. Announced at a gala event in New York, New Media (the company behind Woolworths TASTE) won Gold in four categories at the prestigious 2021 Eddie & Ozzie Awards:

• Full Issue (Content Marketing, 6 or more Issues): Woolworths TASTE magazine

• Series of Articles (Content Marketing): Khanya Mzongwana for Woolworths TASTE

• Cover Design (Content Marketing, 6 or more Issues): Woolworths TASTE magazine

• Overall Art Direction (Content Marketing): Woolworths TASTE

In addition to the four category wins, the Woolworths TASTE team also scooped two special recognition awards: Editorial Team of the Year and Overall Editorial Excellence in Content Marketing.

New Media CEO Aileen Lamb said: “New Media exists to bring specialised storytelling to life through the very best editorial and creative talents in South Africa. Recognition on the international stage is true affirmation of our purpose. A huge well done to our talented Woolworths TASTE team, who continue to raise the bar in exceptional food content and innovation in South Africa.” Woolworths is a long-time New Media client. The agency has produced TASTE magazine for Woolies for nearly two decades.

New Media also received honourable mention in the following categories, including two more nods for TASTE:

• Series of Articles (Content Marketing): Abigail Donnelly for Woolworths TASTE

• Video (Content Marketing): Woolworths TASTETube Made at Home

• Overall Art Direction (B2B): Leading Architecture & Design

• Overall Art Direction (Consumer): VISI

Leading Architecture & Design and VISI are New Media-owned brands.

Lamb concludef: “All our titles are leaders in their respective fields and are well regarded for adding proper value to the lives of their audiences. I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of the New Medians who passionately create magic on these winning brands. They are producing work that is literally among the best in the world!”

Research-first and digital-focus is formula for success as Rogerwilco Digital named as 2021 FM Adfocus Awards finalist

Rogerwilco Digital has been named as finalist in the Digital Agency category for the 2021 FM Adfocus Awards.

“We’re immensely proud that we are going from strength to strength,” said CEO Charlie Stewart. “While Covid’s headwinds buffeted many agencies, our digital-first focus has helped us record a 55% increase in revenue over the last 12 months, thanks to the combination of increasing work to existing clients and welcoming new clients to the business.”

In addition, the company continued to grow a more sustainable and diverse workplace on all levels, from its board to management and throughout the agency.

“Some agencies might see their staff as a commodity, whereas we know they are our greatest asset,” continued Stewart. “Representation is important to us as it fosters a sense of belonging for our staff and on-going skills development ensures we remain relevant in the rapidly changing digital landscape; both contribute to our progressive culture.”

At the heart of the agency is its research-first approach the industry which resulted in 2021 being the first year it commissioned two independent reports – the 3^rd South African Digital Customer Experience Report to share market research to assist marketers with their decision-making, as well as the 2021 South African Township Marketing Report – the first time a report of this nature had been conducted in the country. 

African stars shine at 2021 MTV EMAS nominations announcement

MTV announced nominations for the 2021 MTV EMAs with Africa’s biggest acts from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania securing nominations. Amapiano is globally recognised through artists such as South African ‘Ke Star’ hitmaker Focalistic who bagged a nomination in the Best African Act category. Ghanaian Songstress Amaarae of SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY fame also clinched a nomination in the category.

Nigerian superstars Wizkid and songstress Tems who both collaborated on the global hit Essence have each been nominated. Rounding up the list of African nominees is African superstar Diamond Platnumz of Tanzania. Voting is now open at mtvema.com until 10 November at 11:59pm CET, so fans can cast votes for their favourite African Act beginning today. The 2021 MTV EMAs will premiere exclusively on MTV Africa ( DStv Channel 130) & MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) on Sunday November 14 21:00 CAT (Pre-Show) and 22:00 CAT (Main Show).

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa, commented, “The 2021 MTV EMAs is one of the biggest entertainment stages in the world and we are excited to see African stars shine and make their presence felt globally. Congratulations to all of our African nominees for their incredible achievements. We are proud to witness such great diversity of African talent, music and culture. This is an amazing showcase of their artistry to the world”.

African nominee Focalistic said, “To be nominated as the Best African Act at the 2021 MTV EMA’s means a lot to me. Taking my music to the world means that Amapiano is taking over and this a big stride for the genre and South African music. Let us make more noise and make sure we vote and bring this one home.”

Globally Justin Bieber is the frontrunner securing eight nominations.

PEP honoured as Ask Afrika Orange Index® 2021/2022 Overall Winner

Africa’s largest single brand retailer, PEP has been recognised as both the Best Industry Clothing Retailer, and the Overall Winner of 2021/2022 at the Ask Afrika Orange Index® Awards – a prestigious accolade for customer experience performance amongst leading industries.

The Ask Afrika Orange Index measures 200 companies in 31 industries across all channels and interviewed 19 986 customers between May and July 2021 to establish which company provides the best customer service and experience in the country. This is the third time PEP has been named as the Overall Winner in the last 20 years; having previously walked away with the Award in 2006 and 2007.

“Our customers have always been at the heart of everything we do. Our purpose, even after 55 years, is still as relevant today – it’s about making a difference in the lives of our customers by making it possible for them to look good and feel good. These accolades are a testament to PEP delivering on its purpose and delighting its remarkable customers,” said Jaap Hamman, PEP Chief Executive Officer.

Ask Afrika says customers are looking for emotional connections with brands. “This is unsurprising since consumers across the globe, including South African citizens, live in a constantly changing society on a macro and micro-level. Citizens experienced lack of trust, fear of the unknown and loneliness on higher levels during Covid Lockdown”.

Lorraine Smit and Melina McDonald inducted into the Loeries Hall of Fame

Lorraine Smit and Melina McDonald, Darling Films’ two executive producers, were announced as the Loeries’ Hall of Fame inductees during Loeries Creative Week 2021. They are also its first-ever dual inductees.

“Lorraine and Melina are the embodiment of creative excellence,” said Preetesh Sewraj, CEO of the Loeries. “They are renowned for their strong work ethic and passion for brand communications. The industry is truly richer from their vast contribution and they are outstanding inductees into the Loeries Hall of Fame.”

Introduced in 2008, the Hall of Fame recognises those in the brand communications industry who make notable contributions to the growth and wellbeing of the industry. Being an inductee means standing alongside some venerable past inductees, including TBWA’s John Hunt, Facebook’s Nunu Ntshingila and other industry icons.

Darling Films has developed a reputation for more than its ability to make films. It’s known for putting creativity and people development first. McDonald, reflecting on the award, says: “It really means a lot to be recognised, though it’s not something we’ve sought. We’d like to think we have a genuine commitment to the industry. We focus on developing talent, growing people, and helping clients with particularly difficult projects. It’s really a great honour.”

The passion for transformation also plays directly into the founders’ priority of women’s empowerment. Darling is 100% female owned and has a 50% female director base, more than half of which consists of women of colour.

Full list of Loeries winners

The world of advertising and media celebrated excellence at the 2021 Loeries held in Cape Town last week. The region’s creative minds come together to recognise the best work from across Africa and the Middle East.

Prize	Entry Agency	Category	Brand
Craft Certificate	Giant Films	Film Crafts – Cinematography	GLO
Craft Certificate	Bioscope Films	Film Crafts – Cinematography	Volkswagen
Craft Certificate	Bioscope Films	Film Crafts – Direction	ACG Global
Craft Certificate	Bioscope Films	Film Crafts – Performance	ACG Global
Craft Certificate	Pressure Cooker Studios	Film Crafts – Music	Chicken Licken
Craft Certificate	Joe Public	Film Crafts – Use of Technology	POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse)
Craft Certificate	they	Film Crafts – Cinematography	Momentum
Craft Certificate	they	Film Crafts – Production Design	Momentum
Craft Certificate	CIRCUS!	Film Crafts – Sound Design	Pepsi
Craft Certificate	Carbon Films	Film Crafts – Performance	KFC
Craft Certificate	Joe Public United	Film Crafts – Best Use of Licenced Music	Chicken Licken
Craft Certificate	ROMANCE	Film Crafts – Production Design	Kellogg’s
Craft Certificate	ROMANCE	Film Crafts – Direction	Chicken Licken
Craft Certificate	Chocolate Tribe	Film Crafts – Animation	SHOWMAX
Craft Certificate	The Star Film Company	Film Crafts – Performance	Chicken Licken
Craft Certificate	Wicked Pixels	Film Crafts – Special Visual Effects	Moonga K
Craft Certificate	FIELD	Film Crafts – Music	Sanlam
Craft Gold	Ola Films	Film Crafts – Direction	Chicken Licken
Craft Gold	Massif Media (PTY) Ltd	Film Crafts – Direction	Shelflife
Craft Gold	ROMANCE	Film Crafts – Direction	Kellogg’s
Craft Gold	Chocolate Tribe	Film Crafts – Animation	Chicken Licken
Craft Gold	Chocolate Tribe	Film Crafts – Special Visual Effects	Pringles
Campaign Craft Certificate	Post Modern	Film Crafts – Editing	Shelflife Clothing Franchise
Gold	The Open Window	Student – Digital Media	Rooted (Own Brand)
Gold	The Animation School (PTY) Ltd	Student – Online Film, Short Film & Music Videos	The Animation School
Gold	The Animation School (PTY) Ltd	Student – Online Film, Short Film & Music Videos	The Animation School
Silver	AFDA	Student – Online Film, Short Film & Music Videos	Short Film
Silver	The Open Window	Student – General Design	011 Creative Club
Silver	The Open Window	Student – Online Film, Short Film & Music Videos	Kung Pao
Silver	The Open Window	Student – Online Film, Short Film & Music Videos	Onvermydelik
Silver	IIE-Vega	Student – Package Design	Luna
Silver	University of Johannesburg	Student – Publication Design	Islam
Silver	The Animation School (PTY) Ltd	Student – Online Film, Short Film & Music Videos	The Animation School
Silver	IIE-Vega	Student – Digital Media	ZamBuk
Silver	IIE-Vega	Student – Integrated Campaign	Premier FMCG
Bronze	Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography	Student – Integrated Campaign	Spec Savers
Bronze	Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography	Student – Digital Media	Insight
Bronze	The Open Window	Student – General Design	N.A
Bronze	IIE-Vega	Student – Radio Commercials & Branded Content	Aware.org
Bronze	The Open Window	Student – Online Film, Short Film & Music Videos	Explorations of Femininity
Bronze	Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography	Student – Publication Design	ISTD
Bronze	Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photogrpahy	Student – General Design	Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens
Bronze	Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photogrpahy	Student – General Design	Shoprite
Bronze	IIE-Vega	Student – Radio Commercials & Branded Content	Lift
Bronze	The Creative Academy	Student – Integrated Campaign	Creative Academy
Bronze	AAA school of Advertising	Student – Radio Commercials & Branded Content	Breathe.com
Bronze	North-West University	Student – Package Design	Zwakala Brewery
Bronze	University of Pretoria	Student – Publication Design	Numbers From the Rainbow Nation
Craft Certificate	Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography	Student – Print & Design Crafts – Illustration	Personal
Craft Certificate	AFDA	Student – Television, Film & Video Crafts	Short Film
Craft Certificate	The Open Window	Student – Television, Film & Video Crafts	Onvermydelik
Craft Certificate	The Open Window	Student – Television, Film & Video Crafts	Onvermydelik
Craft Gold	AFDA	Student – Television, Film & Video Crafts	Short Film
Craft Gold	The Open Window	Student – Television, Film & Video Crafts	Onvermydelik
Gold	FP7 McCann MENAT	Effective Creativity	Mastercard
Silver	Joe Public	Effective Creativity	Nedbank
Silver	FP7 McCann MENAT	Effective Creativity	Donner Sang Compter
Bronze	Ogilvy South Africa	Effective Creativity	Volkswagen South Africa
Bronze	FP7 McCann MENAT	Effective Creativity	Almosafer
Gold	Retroviral & Panther Punch	PR & Media Communication Campaign	Kreepy Krauly
Gold	Havas Middle East	PR & Media Communication Campaign	adidas
Silver	DUKE Advertising (Pty) Ltd	PR & Media Communication Campaign	Little Green Beverage Company
Silver	King James Group	PR & Media Communication Campaign	Sanlam
Silver	MullenLowe MENA FZ LLC & UAE Government Media Office	PR & Media Communication Campaign	UAE Government Media Office
Bronze	Joe Public	PR & Media Communication Campaign	POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse)
Bronze	TBWA\RAAD and UAE Government Media Office	PR & Media Communication Campaign	UAE Government Media Office
Bronze	MullenLowe MENA FZ LLC	PR & Media Communication Campaign	Mobily
Bronze	FP7 McCann MENAT	PR & Media Communication Campaign	Home Centre
Gold	King James Group	Live Events	Sanlam
Silver	IMPACT BBDO	Live Events	Baalbeck International Festival
Silver	Havas Middle East	Live Activations	adidas
Bronze	Betika	Live Events	BETIKA
Bronze	TBWA\RAAD and UAE Government Media Office	Live Events	UAE Government Media Office
Bronze	TBWA\ Hunt Lascaris	Radio Station Commercials	City Lodge Hotel Group
Bronze	M&C Saatchi Abel	Radio Station Commercials	Nando’s
Gold	TBWA \Hunt Lascaris South Africa	SA Non-English Radio Station Commercials	Nissan South Africa
Campaign Gold	The Odd Number	Radio Station Commercials	Massdiscounters
Campaign Silver	Grey Africa / WPP Team Liquid	Radio Station Commercials	Distell
Campaign Silver	Joe Public	SA Non-English Radio Station Commercials	Chicken Licken
Campaign Bronze	DUKE Advertising (Pty) Ltd	Branded Content Radio & Audio	Riscura Holdings South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Campaign Bronze	The Odd Number	SA Non-English Radio Station Commercials	Massdiscounters
Campaign Bronze	The Odd Number	SA Non-English Radio Station Commercials	Massdiscounters
Campaign Bronze	Joe Public United	SA Non-English Radio Station Commercials	Chicken Licken
Campaign Bronze	Joe Public	Radio Station Commercials	Chicken Licken
Campaign Bronze	Ogilvy South Africa	Radio Station Commercials	KFC
Campaign Bronze	Ogilvy South Africa	Radio Station Commercials	KFC
Campaign Craft Gold	TBWA \Hunt Lascaris South Africa	Radio Crafts – Sound Design	Nissan South Africa
Campaign Craft Gold	TBWA \Hunt Lascaris South Africa	Radio Crafts – Direction	Nissan South Africa
Campaign Craft Gold	The Odd Number	Radio Crafts – Writing	Massdiscounters
Campaign Craft Gold	Joe Public	Radio Crafts – SA Non-English Performance	Chicken Licken
Campaign Craft Gold	The Odd Number	Radio Crafts – Performance	Massdiscounters
Campaign Craft Certificate	TBWA \Hunt Lascaris South Africa	Radio Crafts – Use of Technology	Nissan South Africa
Campaign Craft Certificate	The Odd Number	Radio Crafts – Performance	Massdiscounters
Campaign Craft Certificate	Joe Public	Radio Crafts – Writing	Chicken Licken
Campaign Craft Certificate	Joe Public	Radio Crafts – SA Non-English Writing	Chicken Licken
Campaign Craft Certificate	Joe Public United	Radio Crafts – Writing	Chicken Licken
Campaign Craft Certificate	Joe Public	Radio Crafts – Writing	Chicken Licken
Gold	TBWA\RAAD and UAE Government Media Office	Integrated Campaign	UAE Government Media Office
Silver	Joe Public, Riverbed, Liquorice & The MediaShop	Integrated Campaign	Nedbank
Silver	Joe Public United	Integrated Campaign	Chicken Licken
Silver	Havas Middle East	Integrated Campaign	adidas
Bronze	TBWA \ Hunt Lascaris South Africa & Grid Worldwide	Integrated Campaign	MTN Group Brand and Marketing Communications
Bronze	TBWA\RAAD	Integrated Campaign	M.A.L.I
Bronze	TBWA\RAAD	Integrated Campaign	KFC Arabia
Bronze	King James Group	Integrated Campaign	Pick n Pay
Bronze	Joe Public United	Integrated Campaign	South African Breweries