Rolling Stone Africa and On, the Swiss performance sportswear brand, have announced the successful completion of a landmark joint campaign aimed at spotlighting the next generation of African tennis talent called Ace the Culture.
Taking place from May 20–25, during the electric Roland Garros week, and featuring On’s Clubhouse Nights Paris event, the Ace the Culture initiative brought together four standout athletes from across the continent for an immersive experience that blended sport, culture, and global connection.
Over five unforgettable days in Paris, these rising stars engaged with the city’s rich tennis heritage, explored its vibrant culture, and formed new friendships — both on and off the court. This initiative represents a shared vision between Rolling Stone Africa and On: to elevate authentic African stories through the powerful lens of sport.
The remarkable talents selected for this initiative are Gloriana Nahum from Benin, Khololwam Montsi from South Africa, Connor Van Schalkwyk from Namibia and Kenya’s Angella Okutoyi.
As part of the curated experience, the athletes visited On’s Flagship Store at the
Champs-Élysées and attended the exclusive On Clubhouse Nights Paris event on May 21 –
featuring a special appearance by On tennis star Iga Świątek and an unforgettable live performance by global music icon Burna Boy.
The journey was amplified by the presence of two influential Afro-French creatives, Nora Chida and Stephane Sacre, who joined the campaign to help bring the athletes’ stories to life and share the experience with wider global audiences
In partnership with On, Rolling Stone Africa documented and shared the athletes’ journey through social media and editorial storytelling, capturing the spirit of connection and inspiration that defined their Paris experience.
“This is more than a campaign – it’s a cultural moment,” said David ‘DR’ Romuald Bellegarde-Smeralda, CEO of Rolling Stone Africa. “Our partnership with On is grounded in authenticity. It’s about building relationships, sharing stories, and showcasing the rich creative and athletic talent coming out of Africa.”
“We envision a significant, long-term presence and a thriving community for On across Africa, starting with select key markets in 2025,” Navalayo Osembo, Director of Africa at On, said. “Looking ahead, On sees a powerful opportunity to build on the success and stories of our athletes and establish a strong commercial footprint in the African market. Our 2025 focus will be on deepening ties with athletes and building our brand through key partnerships.”
Rolling Stone Africa is committed to telling the stories that shape the continent – from music and sport to innovation and identity. With a focus on creativity, authenticity, and representation, we connect Africa’s cultural energy to the world through journalism, storytelling, and collaboration.
Launched in August 2024 with multiple offices across Africa, Rolling Stone Africa is dedicated to celebrating African music, culture, and stories. The magazine is led by the Mwankom Group via a joint venture with Penske Media Corporation (PMC), publisher of the Rolling Stone brand.
Rolling Stone Africa offers in-depth features, exclusive interviews, and digital-first content, ensuring a global audience stays connected with Africa’s evolving cultural landscape. The magazine’s mission is to:
- Celebrate and promote African culture, music, and voices.
- Transcend borders and captivate international audiences.
- Inspire and uplift the continent’s creative youth.
A portion of Rolling Stone Africa’s proceeds goes toward charities supporting African history preservation and children’s welfare, reinforcing its commitment to making a tangible impact beyond entertainment.
