Nike: Mamba Forever by Wieden+Kennedy

To many people, Kobe Bryant was more than just a basketball player. He was a father, an icon, a friend, a community member and a legend. He transcended the sport, and his passing left those who knew him, and were influenced by him, devastated.

Nike paid tribute to the former athlete with a simple-yet-touching video. The two minute film, ‘Mamba Forever’ – a reference to Bryant’s professional nickname and his attitude on the court – sees a just black screen with white type at the right side. The text changes as we hear audio of Bryant’s life and career. The word ‘Forever’ stays throughout, while the words in front of that change with the audio. It covers his high school years in Philadelphia, his two decades in the NBA, where he won championships, MVP titles and scoring records, and his role as a father and husband. Finally, just the word ‘Forever’ is seen as a Laker-yellow ‘Mamba’ in front comes into view.

On its website, Nike stated: “’Mamba Forever’ pays tribute to beloved member of the Nike family, Kobe Bryant. One of the greatest athletes of his generation, Bryant had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball.”