Airtel launches ‘Rainmaker’ TV commercial to drive superior data experience

Telecommunications giant Airtel Nigeria says it has unveiled a new television commercial, dubbed ‘The Rainmaker’, to emphasize the importance of superior mobile internet data experience.

The telco said in a statement that the TV commercial starred veteran Nollywood actors like Jide Kosoko and Jude Chukwuka, among others.

Using an incredibly humorous story, the TV commercial vividly depicts the frustration of having an unreliable network and the importance of a good data experience.

The story was set in a village, where a king wanted to host a high profile and significant traditional ceremony, the statement said.

“The king needed an accomplished and revered rainmaker to ensure that rainstorm did not mar the proceedings of the event, which was to hold in an open venue with no shelter.

“The rainmaker in the commercial tried to deliver on his mandate and was able to stop the rain, causing jubilation; however, this was short-lived as the rain began pouring again, causing the crowd to disperse as everyone ran for shelter.

“In a subsequent scene, the king gave the rainmaker a second chance and asked him to perform his ritual to avert another downpour.

“Eagerly, the rainmaker swung his charm vigorously in a circular motion. This however failed again, as it began raining almost immediately, leaving the king in a rage with guests and delegates in hot flight for shelter,” it said.

According to the statement, the scene cut to another ceremony, and this time, the king sternly warned the rainmaker beforehand not to fail, having failed yet again, with heavy lightning and thunderstorm striking, the king ordered him to be seized by guardsmen.

It said that in the final act, the rainmaker was seen building a huge shelter as punishment for his incompetence, while the satisfied king smiled on.

Speaking at the launch, Emeka Oparah, Airtel Nigeria Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, said: “We are inspired by people and their stories and we love to tell compelling stories that connect with emotions and the heart.”

Oparah said that Airtel was also inspired by the beautiful Nigerian culture and would continue to celebrate different cultures just as they have done with the rainmaker commercial

Airtel Nigeria Vice President, Corporate Brands and Advertising, Tokunbo Adodo, said the commercial was hinged on Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

It aims to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage and also communicate the essence of staying connected as a people, Adodo said.

“Airtel is an incredibly consumer-centric brand and this commercial is about what drives our customers. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives as humans and essentially impacted our ability to connect with one another physically.

“However, the internet gave us an avenue to connect, which is why Airtel, more than ever, is committed to making life easier for its consumers through innovation.

“We came up with an extremely bold statement saying data is life; hence our unconventional approaches when it comes to innovation.

“The services we offer our customers, as well as the stories we tell are all driven by innovation,” Adodo said.