The Afties, an exclusive and fast-rising staple of the Cannes Lions experience, made a powerful return for its second year last night. Curated by media executive TJ Adeshola in partnership with Legacy Enterprise Management, the invite-only event welcomed over 250 VIPs, uniting top athletes, creatives, brand leaders, and cultural influencers in a celebration of creativity, diversity, and innovation.
Hosted by sports media personality Taylor Rooks, The Afties 2025 elevated the intersection of sports, entertainment, and advertising. Held at the Chrystie venue, the night began at 11:00 PM and continued into the early hours, powered by DJs Jae Murphy, DJ Millie, DJ Tay James, Charles Beloved, and Chris Lyons.
The guest list was a who’s who of star power, including Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Alex Rodriguez, Asake, Russell Westbrook, Shay Mitchell, Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Draymond Green, Carmelo Anthony, and more, marking the event as one of the most buzzed-about at Cannes.
Sponsored by BET and TikTok, the event stayed true to its mission of amplifying diverse voices. TikTok kept the vibes alive with late-night snacks—crispy chicken fingers and fries in sleek branded boxes—while Dove Men+Care added a thoughtful touch by stocking bathrooms with deodorant to keep guests refreshed.
With its vibrant mix of culture, conversation, and community, The Afties once again raised the bar at Cannes Lions.
