Johnnie Walker showcases African artists in feature documentary
Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker has released its first feature documentary showcasing African creators.
Following the release of the brand history doc ‘The Man Who Walked Around the World,’ the Diageo-owned label has partnered with Nigerian-American director Amarachi Nwosu to release its own feature doc ‘The Ones Who Keep Walking.’
The 50-minute documentary features more than 20 African artists including rapper Sampa the Great, dancer Kamo Mphela, photographer James Barnor and fashion designer Loza Maléombho.
Nwosu, a Forbes 30 under 30 filmmaker, directed the feature through one-on-one interviews exploring each artist’s passions, challenges and cultures.
The production team behind Johnnie Walker’s first doc, Something Originals, produced the film, along with a team of over 200 African talents.
Other African artists showcased include social media star CKay from Nigeria, producer DJ Nandele from Mozambique, creative collective Urban Pitchaz and Bose Ogulu AKA Mama Burna.
Nwosu said the documentary “was an opportunity to tell a story that reimagines how we see Africa and the creative renaissance taking place.”
Johanna Dalley, global marketing director at Johnnie Walker, said: “Nwosu is someone whose passion for social inclusion, equality and representation has really resonated with us and we hope people will feel inspired to continue to take bold steps after watching it.”
She added: “At Johnnie Walker, we’re always looking to celebrate the stories of those who take bold steps to make life richer. Those stories that so often showcase a powerful spirit of defiant optimism are the perfect embodiment of our Keep Walking philosophy – an idea that feels incredibly relevant in the world right now.”
Johnnie Walker has struck a deal with sub-Saharan satellite company DSTV to broadcast the film across its channels including Africa Magic Family, Maisha Magic East, Zambezi Magic, Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Wethu, Channel O and Canal+-owned TV5 Monde.