KOMLA DUMOR FOUNDATION
THE CHALLENGE
After the passing of renowned journalist Komla Dumor, a foundation was established in his memory to preserve his legacy and continue his vision of celebrating African excellence. The foundation had ample airtime but lacked the budget to produce a traditional TV ad. The challenge was to create something powerful, reflective of Komla’s legacy, with virtually no resources.
THE IDEA
We wanted to honor Komla Dumor by creating something that mirrored his profundity and passion. Leveraging goodwill from media houses, we sourced archival footage and clips of Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lumumba, and others sharing their visionary ideas. These leaders embodied the spirit of African progress, much like Komla did during his lifetime. We crafted a narrative that seamlessly connected these iconic voices. The pacing of the ad, combined with the weight of the quotes, created an emotional arc that honored both Komla and the visionaries who came before him.
The ad culminates with Komla Dumor himself, delivering his own inspiring message, followed by the powerful statement: “Great men die, great ideas should not.”
THE RESULTS
Despite being produced on a near-zero budget, the ad was highly effective. It resonated with audiences and stood out for its creativity and emotional depth. The ad went on to win Gold at the 2015 AAG Gong Gong Awards, triumphing over high-budget campaigns and demonstrating that great ideas can indeed transcend financial limitations.
This campaign remains a proud testament to how resourceful creativity can deliver a powerful message, even in the face of budgetary constraints.