The Healing power of Vaseline® has been trusted by South Africans for more than 140 years. As decades have passed, the Vaseline range has evolved from the trusted petroleum jelly found in every home to an extensive personal care range that meets the needs of the modern consumer. To that end, Vaseline Men today launched the new #StartStrong campaign in partnership with home-grown International artist Riky Rick and SA cricketing hero Kagiso Rabada.
“The #StartStrong campaign pays homage to the quintessential modern South African man on the path to greatness: hardworking, well-groomed, career-driven and focused,” said Bakani Ntaisi, Marketing Manager at Unilever. “He’s driven by passion and underpinned by traditions. He is motivated to succeed – to write his own story.”
To succeed today requires attention to the finer details: wearing the lucky suit, putting on your favourite cologne and getting a good night’s sleep. It’s the double, triple, quadruple checking of a presentation. It’s the aisle seat, the ironed shirt, the getting there early. It’s the meticulous routine, which begins with a skincare regime that expresses confidence and helps him start the day strong.
The brand has partnered with music superstar Riky Rick and cricket hero Kagiso Rabada for the #StartStrong campaign to exemplify the Vaseline man who is on his path to success.
Rapper, producer and entertainer Riky Rick knows the value of persistence and a relentless focus on details. His latest album “Family Values” was recently certified platinum by RISA and was one of the Top 20 African Albums of 2015. Influenced by early Kwaito and Hip Hop, his music reflects a completely unique style which bridges South African township life and international appeal. Beyond music, Riky has one of the most loved and respected personal brands, having recently been voted Most Stylish Male in performing Art at the prestigious South African Style Awards.
“Success isn’t promised. You need to go hard every day. You need to set goals, focus on the details and keep moving forward,” said Riky.
Kagiso Rabada also realised what his passion at a young age. While attending school, he discovered his talent for cricket. He made his debut as a provincial player in 2013 and was consequently chosen to be part of South Africa’s Under-19 side for the 2014 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. This was only the start of his meteoric rise.
“Vaseline was a big part of my upbringing and this campaign speaks to who I am today,” said Kagiso. “Preparation is not only about long hours of practice and sacrifice, but also taking advantage of all the small moments and details that lead you to where you are today. And when you get there, it’s having confidence in your preparation.”
At the campaign launch event in Johannesburg, guests explored two experiential zones that depicted the daily preparation rituals of Riky Rick and Kagiso Rabada that help them start strong every day. In addition to this, Thulani Ndlovu, well-respected South African life coach, spoke about the value of ritual and attention to detail as key aspects in helping men achieve their goals.