The UNHCR Ambassadors for LuQuLuQu Campaign!

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched its LuQuLuQu campaign and officially announced its high level supporters at an African themed event held at Four Seasons Hotel, Westcliff in Johannesburg South Africa. We did share the news when South African stars Nomzamo Mbatha and ANATII were announced as ambassadors. If you missed it click HERE

The LuQuLuQu campaign is an initiative of The UN Refugee Agency, led by celebrities from across Africa. The campaign is in response to the growing global refugee crises with particular focus on African refugees.

The theme of the LuQuLuQu campaign is “Africans helping Africa”, thus embodying the values of Ubuntu and Ujamaa. The name LuQuLuQu is a non-word – no one specific group or community can claim it as his or her own or discriminate against it. Through the LuQuLuQu Tribe, UNHCR is aiming to establish a new movement based on humanity and the spirit of togetherness so no matter where you are, who you are – you are a part of one tribe which cuts across borders, language, race or religion.

The campaign objective is to change the narrative of the continent as well as the image of the African refugee and showcase the stories of hope and resilience to communicate across the continent and the world. In addition, with increasing global demand on traditional funding sources, funding for African refugee situations has dwindled. This campaign through national celebrities, seeks to demonstrate and document the generosity of African communities and transfer ownership of the displacement narrative to the community. It aims to rally togetherness and support for the continent’s displacement issues and help our fellow brothers and sisters.

Lending their support and voice to the LuQuLuQu Tribe are the following influencers, celebrities and personalities from Southern Africa

Leanne Manas

Multiple award-winning TV presenter, radio host, MC and style icon, Leanne Manas, is a renowned leader on the South African media circuit. From Oprah Winfrey to Nelson Mandela, Leanne has interviewed an impressive range of public figures, heads of state, thought-leaders and local and international celebrities during her decade-long onscreen career. Her ability to move seamlessly between media platforms can, in part, be contributed to her roots, having started her career as a weekend and late night news anchor for Talk Radio 702. She has since done extensive work for South Africa’s leading radio stations including Radio Algoa, Jacaranda FM, SAFM and East Coast Radio.

Nomzamo Mbatha

Film and television actress, television and radio presenter, Nomzamo Mbatha (27) has gone from an anonymous talent search contestant to one of the most soughtafter stars in South African and on the African continent entertainment industry. From television to cinema, international beauty & sport brand endorsements, to philanthropy and humanitarian, Nomzamo’s star keeps shining brighter, mostly due to her great sense of self, strong work ethic and respect for her craft. In 2015, she was unveiled as the face of global skincare brand Neutrogena, alongside its international ambassadors, Kerry Washington & Jennifer Garner. Within no time, PUMA SA signed her as ambassador, alongside global star Rihanna & the world’s world fastest man, Usain Bolt. Audi South Africa also came knocking, making her ambassador alongside World Champion, Wayde Van Niekerk and Gold Olympian Swimmer, Cameron Van DeBurgh. In July 2017, L’Oreal South Africa announced her as ambassador for their hair care range, Elvive. Due to her work with the youth, through her foundation, The Lighthouse, Nomzamo came under the radar of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) joining its other Goodwill Ambassadors, like Angelina Jolie and Alek Wek.

ANATII

Since coming to the fore as a 15-year-old phenom, for his music production and songwriting 10 years ago ANATII has built and maintained a stable reputation. Having produced music for local and international acts, for the longest time he had been content with features on others’ albums – and many called in anticipation for his own full album. This is how his much personal and artistically inclined debut album ARTIIFACT was delivered. ARTIIFACT was by no means a middling album, as he pushed himself even more with his vocals and lyrics, taking risks that many wouldn’t…

At age 24, ANATII is a dynamic, confident and playful spirit. A driven young man whose rise and contribution in the music industry has seen him becoming influential even to those he views as his own inspirations. His is a career that has been eventful, exciting and sublime, with many incredible moments of learning, engaging and breaking boundaries. Known for his charitable spirit, mostly uplifting and imparting skills to youth with an inclination to music, with his BHONGO NATION (meaning Our Pride) foundation.

Tresor Riziki

TRESOR (French for “treasure” and pronounced “Trezor”) is multi award winning and platinum selling 2015 breakout singer-songwriter & producer signed to the legendary record label Sony RCA in Africa and Ultra Records globally (Ultra records is home to Avicii, Calvin Harris, Deadmau5 just to name a few). Orphaned at an early age, he left Goma in the Eastern DRC after finishing high school and headed for Durban in 2007 with the sole purpose of pursuing a professional music career. It was a new world for a small town boy, having to learn English in a short space of time.

Goliath & Goliath ( Jason Goliath, Donovan Goliath, Nicholas Goliath)

Goliath & Goliath is one of the most recognizable comedic entertainment brands in South Africa. Consisting of comedy trio, Jason, Donovan and Nicholas Goliath, their mission was always to be a brand and a group of comedians recognized for putting comedy first, providing opportunities for new and experienced comedians and to develop and educate audiences by consistently providing world class stages and productions. This ethical and humble approach as has put them in good stead with a national fan base and award winning business.

Ancillar Mangena

From age 11, Ancillar Mangena knew she wanted to be a journalist reporting on African stories. Immediately after completing her honors degree in Journalism at the University of Johannesburg in 2014, she was hired by Caxton community newspapers where she worked for just over a year before being head hunted by Chris Bishop, Forbes Africa magazine founding editor. Since then, she has told many stories and earned multiple accolades, among them, this November, Ancillar won the ZIMEO Science and Technology Reporting Award; in June, she won the Sanlam Excellence in Financial Journalism Award: African Growth Story category; last year, she won the CNN MultiChoice Young Journalist of the Year Award, Sanlam Excellence in Financial Journalism Young Journalist of the Year Award and was a finalist for the Foreign Press Association Young Journalist of the Year award. Outside of her journalism work, Ancillar spends her time performing her duties as a World Economic Forum Global Shapers. She also co-runs a reusable sanitary pads company that helps keep girls in school.

Wax Dey

Wax Dey is a Cameroonian singer, writer, entrepreneur and activist. Born Nde Ndifonka, he won Best Male Artist, Central Africa at the All Africa Music Awards in Lagos in November 2016. He was awarded Top 35 African under the age of 35 by Young People in International Affairs (YPIA) in 2014. In May 2010, he was named by Ladybrille Magazine as Man of the Month, for the use of music in spreading social awareness among youths. As an activist, Wax Dey has led several big humanitarian campaigns across the African continent. For example, he founded South Africa’s Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Week that has become an annual Government calendar event. He has worked extensively with the United Nations and Africa’s biggest musicians in fighting ills such as human trafficking and xenophobia across Africa.

Ayanda Makayi

Ayanda Makayi is a trained actor having attained an honors degree in live performance from AFDA, The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance. He has also gained experience working as a junior casting director for a prominent casting director in Johannesburg. Ayanda is also a member of an innovative band that has taken the entertainment in the corporate world by storm – EcogrooveSA, where he plays music on wine glasses. As Ayanda grows in the industry, he is also becoming more and more involved in numerous social initiatives ranging from MC’ing of live events, guest appearances, motivational talks at schools and universities and has been involved in a mentorship programme focusing on mentoring and empowering young boys, with a fellow industry colleague.

These high level influencers, celebrities and personalities from Southern Africa join many other celebrities from across the continent including 2Baba Idibia from Nigeria, Stonebwoy and Nikki Samonas from Ghana and Mercy Masika, Amina Abdi- Rabar and Pinky Ghelani from Kenya.

Here are more pictures from the event!