Last Week Today

1. On the last day of 2023, Zimbabwean music icon Winky D took to the stage at the famous Harare International Conference Centre for a highly anticipated New Year’s Eve performance. Dubbed “Ghettocracy”, the sold-out concert not only celebrated two decades of the award-winning artist’s illustrious career, but also witnessed a creative collaboration that pushed boundaries in the Zimbabwean arts scene. Renowned choreographer John Cole was tasked with bringing Winky D’s powerful lyrics and message to life through show-stopping dance routines. What resulted was a visual spectacle like no other, with complex choreography that left the energetic crowd in awe.

2. MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) has recently made significant developments, including a $100 million Series A funding round, a rebrand and a change in their name to Lykos Therapeutics.

Lykos, which means “wolf” in Greek, was chosen as the new name, symbolizing qualities such as bravery, courage, loyalty, and intelligence that resonate with the company’s mission.

In a press release, Lykos explains that their new visual identity represents the amalgamation of innovative science and a holistic approach to the well-being of individuals.

3. When Terence Reilly takes the reins of a brand, consumers take notice.

From turning rubber clogs into runway darlings at Crocs, to more recently making stainless steel drinking vessels the item of year, Reilly has pulled off marketing magic time and again.

Yet even for a man with his Midas track record, rebooting the heritage hardware name Stanley seemed an impossible task.

4. During the festive season ZIMNAT unveiled a truly remarkable advertisement that ingeniously captures the essence of their home insurance services.

At the heart of this ad lies a character named Penzura, whose inner battle unfolds when his close friend invites him to maChills, a spirited social gathering, via text.

Penzura’s reluctance to leave the safety of his home stems from his genuine concern about leaving his cherished belongings unattended.

The ad takes us on an entertaining journey as Penzura devises an unconventional solution to his worries.

5. Have you ever wondered who handles all the behind-the-scenes work involved in bringing your favourite TV commercials and videos to life? Meet XR, one of the biggest names you’ve probably never heard of in the world of digital video delivery and measurement.

The Company is undergoing a transformative rebranding from its former name Extreme Reach. Alongside this exciting change, they have made a series of strategic hires, including Jo Kinsella, a respected software veteran from Innovid and TVSquared, who has been appointed as the president of XR Source.