Malia Obama is stepping further into her director bag, and we’re so here for it! Fresh off her Sundance directorial debut, Malia is back behind the camera, bringing some star power with her.
The eldest daughter of Michelle and President Barack Obama has teamed up with WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson for a new project. A’ja is launching a new signature shoe with Nike – the A’One – and Malia is bringing the footwear to life in a vibrant new ad campaign.
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Malia Obama Directs A New Nike Ad Featuring A’ja Wilson
With these two powerhouses together, we’re not surprised the campaign’s ads are dripping in Black Girl Magic. It features A’ja alongside a young Black girl teaching her a rhythmic handclap game to a catchy remix of the classic playground chant. Yes, we’re talking about “Miss Mary Mack.”
The little girl in the ad has no problem correcting A’ja, who messes up occasionally.
The playful lyrics – “A’ja Wilson’s on top, top, top” – celebrate the athlete’s incredible achievements as a WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, all while showing off the stylish pink kicks that sold out almost immediately after dropping.
Malia’s second video is a timely tribute to HBCU culture, cheer groups, and school spirit.
It opens with interesting shots of braids and beads that spell out A’ja’s name as two Black girls clap and sing. The cinematography is also pop-culture-like and surprisingly familiar. Parts of the ad, Malia’s second creation, nod to Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video. WNBA player and superstar coach Dawn Staley also makes an appearance.
Talk about the culture, influence, and brilliance of Black girls everywhere.
We’re Giving Malia (And A’ja) Flowers For Celebrating Black Women
While fans of Malia and A’ja love the Nike campaign, there has been some controversy. Filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris pointed out similarities between Malia’s Nike ad and her own Sundance short, “Grace.” Natalie noted striking visual and thematic parallels, raising meaningful conversations about creative inspiration and recognition within the film industry.
Neither Malia nor A’ja has commented on the allegations.
Despite this dialogue, Malia deserves her flowers for amplifying Black women’s stories and continuing to carve out her path in the arts. Collaborations like these between Malia and A’ja highlight the beauty of sisterhood and solidarity, reminding us that when Black women uplift each other, the world takes notice.
Malia Obama Brings Black Girl Magic To Nike’s Newest Ad Featuring A’ja Wilson
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