Tarek Nour, Egyptian Daddy of Advertising, the man whose voice has sold to millions of Egyptians in the last 20 years has recently launched a whole set of promos for his new satellite channel called Cairo Centric (القاهرة والناس) set to launch in Ramadan.
There is one problem though. Take a look for yourself:
Original
Cairo Centric – Elevator Promo
Original
Cairo Centric – Car Promo
Original
Cairo Centric – Library Promo
And that’s not all. There are over 20 of these, most of which have been adapted almost as is. A big debate is going on in Egypt about this blatant stealing of ideas. A facebook group (Cairo Centric – الإعلانات مسروقة القاهرة و الناس – STOLEN AD’S !!) has started and within a few days has managed to attract over 2500 members.
The newspaper El Dostoor has written an article about it as well. See article here.
Now what can I say. I have a few friends who actually work in the creative departments of Tarek Nour. What did they have to say: Well firstly they all denied working on the creative for these promos although a few did act in them. They actually told me Tarek Nour himself gave them the link and told them I want this Egyptianized. Period!! And why didn’t u guys say anything? We can’t say anything. It’s his channel, and he’s like a god over there. Hmmmm. Ok… So what did Tarek Nour have to say now that everyone’s talking about what a thief he is: The age old classic: Any kind of publicity is good. Yes because in Egypt Tarek Nour needs publicity right? His voice has been instilled in our minds all throughout our growth. Until today it’s heard on the radio, tv, his logo is after every ad, on the billboards and now he has a tv channel. And apparently he’s looking for publicity.
Bullshit. Tarek Nour has been ripping off ads for years. These promos have no creative vitality in them at all, the art direction is atrocious, and they all have no actual message whatsoever. With the opening of his own tv channel, I thought this was a chance for the creatives to really shine at TN and show us what they can do. I know there is talent at Tarek Nour however I feel let down, and I feel that all these talented people are misguided.
What do u guys think?