“Young, Gifted & Killing It: Naledi Manama in the World of Advertising”

In the dynamic world of advertising, certain individuals stand out, not only for their exceptional talent but also for their inspiring journeys and unique perspectives. Naledi Manama, a senior art director at Ogilvy Johannesburg, is one such creative luminary. With a passion for her craft and a career that has already seen remarkable achievements, Naledi’s story is one of determination, innovation, and boundless creativity.

The Early Calling:

Hailing proudly from the East Rand in Gauteng, Naledi’s journey into the creative industry wasn’t always straightforward. Initially torn between multiple creative aspirations, she eventually leaned towards architecture due to societal expectations. However, it was a pivotal moment in her high school years that set her on the path to advertising. Her grade 10 English teacher, Miss Barrow, challenged her class to create a radio and print ad for government CTAs, and that was the spark that ignited Naledi’s love for the advertising world.

The Journey Unfolds:

Transitioning from a predetermined path to one fueled by passion, Naledi convinced her parents to support her creative aspirations in advertising rather than pursuing a career in architecture. Her journey led her to Vega, where her talents continued to shine. A serendipitous meeting with Suhana Gordhan, driven by their shared interest in the One Show Bootcamp, paved the way for an internship opportunity at FCB. That single-month internship eventually turned into a year-long commitment, solidifying her place in the advertising industry.

Impactful Projects:

Throughout her career, Naledi has had the privilege of working on various projects that have left a lasting impact. Notable highlights include the creation of the “Girl Champ” sexual health program in Eswatini, aimed at addressing HIV/AIDS among young women. She also played a pivotal role in the “Beat Can” campaign, which ingeniously repurposed Coca-Cola cans to grant access to music, and the viral story of a university student posing as a food inspector for free KFC. These projects reflect her versatility and creative prowess.

Future Ventures:

Naledi’s journey in advertising is far from over, with exciting projects currently in the pipeline. While she keeps the details under wraps, the promise of more groundbreaking work is on the horizon.

Advice for Aspiring Creatives:

To those looking to make a leap into the creative world, Naledi shares invaluable advice: love what you do passionately, and ensure your ideas are nothing short of remarkable. Your passion will be your driving force, and your ideas should always be exceptional.

Changing the Industry:

Naledi envisions an advertising industry that continually lowers its barriers to entry, creating opportunities for young creatives to gain experience and expand their portfolios. Her commitment to nurturing emerging talent is a testament to her dedication to the industry’s growth.

Choosing Collaborators:

Naledi seeks collaborators who share a common desire to break away from conventions and aspire to achieve greatness on both local and global scales.

Moments of Inspiration:

Inspiration can strike at any time, but for Naledi, it’s during tea time when she’s most creatively inclined. However, the complex challenges of campaign work often find their solutions in the simplicity of daily routines, like showers and drives.

Admiring Industry Figures:

Throughout her journey, Naledi has had the privilege of being mentored and inspired by industry figures like Ahmed Tilly, Suhana Gordhan, Safaraaz Sindhi, and Chantelle dos Santos, each contributing to her growth in unique ways.

Naledi Manama’s journey in the advertising industry is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion and breaking free from societal expectations. Her commitment to nurturing emerging talent and creating exceptional work is a source of inspiration for all aspiring creatives. As she continues to make her mark on the advertising world, we can only anticipate more groundbreaking projects and creative innovations from this remarkable senior art directo