Africa has creative talent to burn. We spoke to African creative leaders about how pan-African showcases like the Loeries, help promote African talent to the world – and why awards like these, inspire brands to be bolder, and do more creative and effective work.

There is a very human voice to African brand communication, as well as a sense of fun. Lesibane Mohale, Group Creative Director of Ogilvy Africa Group, in Ghana, admires the way “humour is weaved into communication messages”. In Africa, “telecommunications brands thrive on humour and simplicity to connect with consumers,” he says.

Many African creatives are driven by a belief that we can tell better stories by taking inspiration from each other, particularly from the unique and diverse creative resources across the continent. Angolan graphic designer Hilma Sassa feels that Africans don't yet fully value their creative industry and its importance in society, making it harder to get noticed, “As a creative, you may have more luck getting noticed beyond your country, and outside the continent, if you share your work on the international stage.”

That sentiment informs the work of the Loeries, the most prestigious creative awards across Africa and the Middle East. “Our mandate is to showcase the best creative work from the continent, of course. But, it’s equally about helping brands find the right creative team to help them realise their business goals,” says Andrew Human, CEO of the Loeries. “Countries such as Brazil and India are great examples of markets that have entered work into international award shows and won by leveraging locally relevant ideas backed by solid local consumer insights,” says Mohale.

“As a continent, we should champion work that feels unapologetically African so that we can showcase to the world what the continent is truly about.”

As Sassa puts it: “I am stimulated by the diversity of work created in Africa, which is deeply inspired by our culture and tradition. That signature makes it unique and different from the things we see out there.” A similar impulse drives Human, who urges more creatives from around the African continent to enter the Loeries. “The Loeries is the only award in Africa that is recognised by the global WARC Report, which makes the Loeries a unique platform for African excellence on the global stage.” Human says the international standing of the Loeries is the result of a commitment to high standards and an independent and objective judging process. “Every year, we host some of the world's top creative leaders to act as jury presidents, coupled with panels of leading experts from throughout the region. Their objectivity and expert insight is part of what makes the Loeries the benchmark.”

“Entrants know that their work is being held to the highest global standards, and it’s a unique opportunity for African creatives to show the world just how good they are.” About  Loeries Africa Middle East:    The Loeries, a non-profit company, is Africa and the Middle East’s premiere initiative that recognises, rewards, inspires and fosters creative excellence in the brand communication industry.

As the highest accolade for creativity and innovation across our region, the Loeries promotes and supports creativity by helping marketers, agencies and consumers appreciate the value of ideas and fresh  thinking.  Culminating in the biggest creative gathering in Africa and the Middle East, Loeries Creative Week Durban brings together the best innovative minds from our industry for a festival of networking, inspiring minds and recognising great work. Our region's creative economy is world-class and has great potential to grow and to offer employment to our talented youth. The growth occurring throughout Africa and the Middle East is very exciting, and a major focus of the Loeries is to increase the standard of brand communication in the region.

DEADLINE FOR 2019 ENTRIES EXTENDED TO 31 MAY
Major Partners: DStv Media Sales, Gearhouse
Category Partners: AB InBev, Barron, Brand South Africa, Facebook, Gagasi FM, Google, JCDecaux, Nando’s, Tsogo Sun, Vodacom, Woolworths

Additional Partners and Official Suppliers:    AAA School of Advertising, Antalis South Africa, Aon South Africa, Backsberg, BEE Online, First     Source, Fresh RSVP Guest Logistics, Funk Productions, Gallo Images, Grid Worldwide, Hetzner,     Mama Creative, Newsclip, Paygate, Rocketseed, Shared Value Initiative, Shift Social Development,  Vega School, VQI Communications Nigeria

Endorsed by:    Association of Communication and Design, Brand Council South Africa, Commercial Producers     Association, Creative Circle, EXCA, IAB, South African Institute of Architects, IID

Official Media Partners    Between 10and5, Bizcommunity.com, Book of Swag, Brand Communicator Nigeria, Business Insider by Pulse, Campaign Middle East, Film & Event Media, Modern Marketing, The Redzone.

-- ENDS --

Twitter: @loeries    Instagram: Loerieawards    Facebook: The Loeries

Distributed on behalf of the  Loeries  by:    Riana Greenblo Communications Date: May 16, 2019

For more information, interview requests or high-res images, please contact: Riana Greenblo on 011 3256006; 0825675159 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Spoil yourself, your friends, your co-workers or any special woman in your life this Women’s Day. In fact – at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, the whole month is dedicated to celebrating the ladies.   Isn’t it wonderful that there is a day dedicated to women for their remarkable ability to peacefully bring about change?

It is a time to truly honour the impact women make! To celebrate, do something that makes you feel special, or treat someone secretly even, and let your inner Goddesses out to play.   After all, women give life, can make something out of nothing, juggle multiple roles, can break barriers, be leaders and be beautiful while doing it!

There are so many reasons to celebrate being a woman and just as many ways to do it! And, the five-star Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to celebrate Women’s Day! Set amongst lush acres of landscaped gardens you will find an urban oasis in Johannesburg. Every aspect of this spectacular boutique hotel is designed to delight the senses and make you feel like the queen that you are!

This Women’s Day, Fairlawns have a special treat planned where a well-known beauty and cosmetic house will be sharing image and beauty secrets that will make the Goddess in you, shine even brighter. We all know that happiness is irresistible. Should you wish to celebrate during the month of August, come dine in our award-winning restaurant, Amuse-Bouche, which boasts a sophisticated à la carte menu for the discerning palate, paired with a Platinum Award Winning wine list. Spoil yourself in the eccentric Manor House Bistro restaurant for a more casual, al fresco dining of your favourite café style meals.

An absolute must is the ultra-modern MUSE Champagne Room – either by the fireplace or soaking in the sunset – perfect for all weather. All Goddesses need to treat their body as a temple, and the best place to do that is in the exquisite bamboo forest gardens of the Balinese-style Spa at Fairlawns.

With a range of therapies and signature Asian-inspired treatments, a team of skilled therapists are able to bring you back to a state of calm and natural wellbeing. However, you decide to celebrate Women’s Day enjoy it, savour it and be proud to be a woman!

“Live your best life....let your Inner Goddess out to Play!”  ― Paula Weisflock To book call Fairlawns on 011-808 7300 or visit www.fairlawns.co.za.