Staff Reporters
Mar 22, 2011

Air New Zealand mascot Rico goes viral with Snoop Dogg

NEW ZEALAND - Air New Zealand's furry mascot Rico has teamed up with rap star Snoop Dogg to record a viral video featuring his debut single 'Hello sunshine'.

The video and track was released on YouTube in the run-up to the 28 March launch of Snoop's new album Doggumentary. 

Speaking on the collaboration with Rico, Snoop said, "Meet this guy and you’ll understand why I wanted to work with him. He’s funny. He’s a little bit edgy and a little bit naughty, which is a nice change for an industry that is known for having some of the dullest marketing known to mankind."

Mike Tod, Air New Zealand general marketing manager, said Snoop Dogg and Rico combined have millions of followers in social media and performing a song together came naturally.

“Both have courted controversy in their careers and both love to sing – arguably one better than the other, but still, it makes for some light entertainment,” he added.

Clad in a New Zealand All Blacks rugby jersey, Snoop raps the lyrics for the song and video completed at Wavaflow Studios in Hollywood.

Rico is Air New Zealand's global ambassador created in partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Los Angeles.

The mascot has featured in online advertising promoting the airlines new products the Economy SkyCouch and Premium Economy Spaceseat, an inflight safety video and has spent the summer touring around New Zealand, documenting his experiences in a series of video diaries.

Related Articles

Just Published

18 hours ago

Why Thailand is a shining example of LGBTQIA+ brand ...

In a year marked by global uncertainty for LGBTQIA+ rights, Thailand’s vibrant Pride celebrations and evolving brand partnerships offer a blueprint for authentic inclusion in Asia.

18 hours ago

Under Armour appoints OMD as media AOR in APAC

The $40 million APAC media win consolidates the agency's global partnership with Under Armour, adding to its existing remits in North America and the EMEA.

19 hours ago

2025 Cannes Contenders: David Guerrero handpicks ...

Kicking off this year’s Cannes Contenders series is a selection from David Guerrero, creative chairman of BBDO Guerrero.

20 hours ago

Meta aims to fully automate ad creation with AI by 2026

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram plans to let advertisers generate complete, AI-crafted ads with just a product image and budget, automating the entire campaign process across its platforms.