Here is the story of my all time favourite TV advert developed in my FCMB days.
And how can I forget the composer/arranger, Mr. Cedric Samson is known for his compositions for greats such as Hugh Masakela... and who composed the soundtrack to the biography of Dr. Nelson Mandela, the song Öh Mandela, Son of Africa, and which he arranged and performed at Madiba's 80th birthday celebrations (I hope I got that right), You should see Cedric on the drums as well... awesome!
We went ahead to shoot the TVC, here are some stills (still photos) from the set:
More...
More still...
More, more still:
We had over 40 hours of awesome footage in all, shooting a safari scene, a graduation scene, a family dinner scene, a sailing scene, (we had to shoot from two yachts and a helicopter simultaneously), lions, etc., all inspired by your voice, Vicky.
The rationale for the TVC was simple, what is the African Dream and how does it relate to you at work, at play, and those milestones and achievements that make us who we are...what we are. It is a journey of success achieved through a committed partnership, a partnership between you and your bank... built on trust, commitment, and ownership. It ends with a promise of commitment; the essence of true consumer banking.
In case you never saw it, here is the link to the Our African Dream TVC (part of the "totally committed to you" campaign), this advert received wide acclaim including an independent critic's rating as the Number 1 Advert at the time RATING
Working with you guys in the studios in cape town, i shall never forget, better yet, i would always remember the first day we spent composing the music score, You, Vicky Sampson, Me, a piano, and a notebook! oops, Sorry Cedric, you got cut off this photo... i see you in your black t-shirt, lol!
Remember the lyrics to our composition? Well, here it is: Our African Dream Written by Cedric Samson, Vicky Sampson and Olufemi Ashipa, and performed by the gorgeous Vicky Sampson.
Credits: Doyin Adewumi, Sola Adegborioye, Steve Mc Dermott (Fatai), Femi J and Austin Ufomba, Durand Le Sueur, Debbie Terry, Michelle, Shawn, and Mayor Esiaba, this was fun.
"I remember our first meeting, from the airport to my hotel room for a quick change, then off to her suite for a chat about the task at hand. I had heard so much about her, Vicky Sampson. I was nervous and apprehensive; I wondered if I would be uncomfortable standing in the presence of such an accomplished singer and song-writer.. she turned out to be charming, graceful, humble, and accommodating, she was a delight to behold, and to work with"
Culled from memoirs of creative mind by Olufemi AshipaWorking with the renowned Vicky Sampson (who composed and performed 'My African Dream') was a dream come true. The South African Songstress and Diva was a delight to work with.
And how can I forget the composer/arranger, Mr. Cedric Samson is known for his compositions for greats such as Hugh Masakela... and who composed the soundtrack to the biography of Dr. Nelson Mandela, the song Öh Mandela, Son of Africa, and which he arranged and performed at Madiba's 80th birthday celebrations (I hope I got that right), You should see Cedric on the drums as well... awesome!
We went ahead to shoot the TVC, here are some stills (still photos) from the set:
More...
More still...
More, more still:
We had over 40 hours of awesome footage in all, shooting a safari scene, a graduation scene, a family dinner scene, a sailing scene, (we had to shoot from two yachts and a helicopter simultaneously), lions, etc., all inspired by your voice, Vicky.
The rationale for the TVC was simple, what is the African Dream and how does it relate to you at work, at play, and those milestones and achievements that make us who we are...what we are. It is a journey of success achieved through a committed partnership, a partnership between you and your bank... built on trust, commitment, and ownership. It ends with a promise of commitment; the essence of true consumer banking.
In case you never saw it, here is the link to the Our African Dream TVC (part of the "totally committed to you" campaign), this advert received wide acclaim including an independent critic's rating as the Number 1 Advert at the time RATING
OUR AFRICAN DREAM TVC (click on the link)
My African Dream - Vicky Sampson (Click to watch/listen)
Working with you guys in the studios in cape town, i shall never forget, better yet, i would always remember the first day we spent composing the music score, You, Vicky Sampson, Me, a piano, and a notebook! oops, Sorry Cedric, you got cut off this photo... i see you in your black t-shirt, lol!
Remember the lyrics to our composition? Well, here it is: Our African Dream Written by Cedric Samson, Vicky Sampson and Olufemi Ashipa, and performed by the gorgeous Vicky Sampson.
Credits: Doyin Adewumi, Sola Adegborioye, Steve Mc Dermott (Fatai), Femi J and Austin Ufomba, Durand Le Sueur, Debbie Terry, Michelle, Shawn, and Mayor Esiaba, this was fun.
Our African Dream - Stanza one:Can you hear the drums beatingMy heart beats to her call...The sound of a new day dawningSuccess in life is calling me...Our African dream, my heart wants to follow..Our African Dream, our hearts beat as one..Cos we have the power to dreamand the passion to work in harmonySo lets keep this dream aliveand together we can fly..Working together as one...(refrain)
Holla if you want the tracks...
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