Colin Gayle conceptualizes, creates, and leverages intersections between African culture and global markets.

As founder of Africa Creative Agency (ACA), his beliefs are rooted in visionary branding that breaks down borders and elevates the continent’s cultural profile through strategy and global best practices, utilizing everything from content and content platforms to live events and social engineering.

"I’m a storyteller and a strategist first and foremost,” he says. “Most of my projects don’t start out as content plays. It’s about finding where we are in the movie, so to speak. You can predict future trends and then localize them. I look at trends happening worldwide and locate them where I’m at—whether there’s an interest in music, gospel, comedy, or any other artistic medium. Content then breaks the ice. My job is to leverage the business of entertainment for corporations, NGO’s, and government to build a brand equity and a return on investment."

In 2004, Mr. Gayle set his sights on Africa. Drawing on decades of experience across music, media, and television and film, he introduced a myriad of entertainers and brands to the continent for the very first time. He implemented the launch of the 2010 World Cup Inaugural Event, 50 Cent’s storied Tour of Mozambique and South Africa, which ended with the rap superstar meeting Nelson Mandela for a highly publicized MTV segment, the rebrand of SABC with top global performers, and T.D. Jakes Mega Fest in South Africa as well as pairing American comedian DeRay Davis with Africa’s own Basketmouth for a sold-out tour, among other initiatives.

Working with Coca-Cola during 2015, he welcomed Ne-Yo into the ecosystem of the continent’s popular music show, Coke Studio Africa. The R&B superstar would create a “mega-mashup” with musicians from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, and Nigeria, yielding the ultimate global harmony in the process. 2016 sees Mr. Gayle foster the expansion of Essence magazine into the African marketplace with both publication and the first Essence Music Festival in Durban. He holds the post of Chief Content Officer and Head of Performance Marketing Strategies Fuse Advertising and GFNTV, orchestrating ad campaigns for the likes of Hyundai and Charter Communications. Now, he’s paving the way for them to touch down in Africa. Mr. Gayle also served as Creative Executive and Executive Producer for Bounceback, which produced the number-one-rated show for Channel O/MNET, Diamond Life as well as The Beef, Behind the Scene, and O’Access. The latter saw Soweto-born host Nonhle deliver American music to the African audience for seven years, and it offered a platform for local talent. His own diverse upbringing and experience informed an all-encompassing perspective. Born in London to Jamaican parents, Mr. Gayle attended Stockton State University in New Jersey. He entered corporate America and developed a keen business acumen. By 1994, he transitioned to the music industry with the inception of his music and artist management firm Rhythm Jazz Marketing. Its roster included award-winning, platinum-certified artists and producers such as Jill Scott, Kenny Lattimore, Adriana Evans, Vidal Davis, and Andre Davis. In 2000, he entered into a collaboration with Warner Urban Music to expand within Europe and Asia, enhancing the profiles of Madonna, Eric Benet, Jaheim, and more along the way. During 2003, he assumed the role of General Manager of International Marketing and Global Branding for 50 Cent and the G-Unit Brand in Europe and Asia, launching G-Unit Reebok Sneakers, Formula 50/ Vitamin Water, the movie Get Rich or Die Tryin’, and G-Unit clothing.

Now, he continues to shape the perception of Africa through telling a new story altogether.