Jamaica takes over Times Square in Pepsi’s AI stunt
Pepsi’s innovative AI stunt showcasing Jamaica was displayed on the iconic billboards of Times Square in New York on Saturday, at 5pm.
It marked the first time one of Pepsi’s refreshed brand identity stunts featuring a nation was being prominently shown in another country. While Pepsi has unveiled similar AI stunts in its markets, Jamaica is the only country to receive this international spotlight, Pepsi Cola Jamaica said in a press release.
Pepsi has continued its exciting journey of unveiling its refreshed brand identity with this AI stunt at the iconic Rick’s Cafe in Negril. This new identity marks the brand’s first major change in 14 years and was introduced in Jamaica under the campaign “New Beats, Same Jamaican Flava.”
The “New Beats, Same Jamaican Flava” campaign signifies that while Pepsi’s look has changed, the flavour remains unchanged. In Jamaica, “beats” colloquially refers to clothing, so the campaign cleverly plays on this cultural nuance. Rick’s Cafe, a renowned tourist destination, which saw over 1.4 million visitors last year, was selected for this latest unveiling, which features hot air balloons adorned with the new Pepsi logo.
This digital installation underscores Pepsi’s dedication to innovation and its celebration of Jamaican culture, highlighting the crucial role of the tourism sector on the island, Pepsi Cola Jamaica said.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett commented, “We are happy to see Jamaica yet again on the world stage through the featuring of the Pepsi Jamaica stunt in Times Square. It showcases the beauty of our island on an international stage and underscores the importance of our tourism sector. We commend Pepsi for this initiative.”
Luz Tejada, Commercial Director at Pepsi Cola Jamaica, added, “Our new visual identity brings to life Pepsi’s brand platform ‘Thirsty for More.’ Featuring this stunt on the screens of Times Square demonstrates our commitment to celebrating Jamaica’s rich culture and vibrant tourism industry on a global scale.”
Influencers such as Chad Luchey,”Fat Skull “and Tonaya Wint have posted hints about this big reveal on their social media pages, building anticipation for this momentous event.
Pepsi Cola Jamaica said it encourages all Jamaican diaspora members to head to Times Square, take photos, and share them on their social media platforms, proudly waving their flags and showing their national pride.
