Sponsorship activity

• FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012

For the first time, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Azerbaijan. Bakcell, as the first mobile operator of Azerbaijan, became the official supporter of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. On February 14, 2012 Ralph Straus, the Head of Strategy and Brand Management of the association officially presented the National Supporter Certificate to the Bakcell CEO Richard Shearer at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Baku and Lankaran will host the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup from 22 September to 13 October, 2012. Bakcell, as a national supporter, will provide crucial local backing for the tournament, assisting FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee in promoting and delivering the event. Bakcell always assists the development of sport in our country and supports initiatives that promotes a healthy lifestyle among the people.

• H.O.S.T. concert

Young Azerbaijanis with the need for intense communication and socializing are gathering together under the first mobile operator of Azerbaijan, Bakcell slogan “Get closer”. On March 4 in 2012 HOST group had performed with a 5 year anniversary concert at Baku Sea Port. The concert was sponsored by CINeration of Bakcell. Along with their songs that have become hits throughout the last 5 years, group members have gladdened their 2500 fans with some new tracks as well. Fans were singing almost all the songs along with HOST members. In addition “From Cradle to Grave” show program featured the performance of famous Miri Yusif. Fans were thrilled by his duet with Qaraqan and Aid.

• “Leyli and Mejnun” – first Azerbaijan musical

In 2011, for the first time, the musical based on “Leyli and Mejnun”, poem of genius Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjevi was realized in our country. This project, which premiere took place in Heydar Aliyev Palace, was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan and “Ireli” public association. Bakcell was the main sponsor of the project. The main objective of this musical, created under the motto of “The Legend is back”, was to popularize again the classic work, written on the basis of ancient Azerbaijani motives, with modern perception in hip-hop genre. This musical play was named “Leyli and Mejnun”, in dedication of the great Nizami’s poem of the same name. Dances of this long awaited by thousands of people play, were directed by talented choreographer from USA Charles Laurence. Dances, choreographed by Charles Laurence were accompanied by famous rhythm group, under the guidance of well-known rhythm performer Natiq Shirinov. Besides, modern music score of the play included the sounds of Azerbaijani national instruments of tar, kamancha, balaban, tutak, naghara and ud. Main roles in musical were performed by Natavan Khabibi (Leyli), Elshad Khose (Mejnun), Elnur Mammadov (Ibn Salam), Azad Shabanov (Zeyd) and Oksana Rasulova (Zeynab). New characters, added by the project’s director – “the Devil” and “Sun-man” were played by MC Murad (music author and arranger of the project) and Natig Shirinov.

• Bu Şəhərdə - “Qeybət” (Backbiting)

Every year, popular actors of “Bu şəhərdə” (In this city) comic project Rafael Isgandarov and Joshqun Ragimov are organizing concerts dedicated to 8th of March – the International Women’s Day. Another five-day concert named “Qeybət” (Backbiting), which took place, in 2012 was a sell-out. Bakcell – the First Mobile operator of Azerbaijan was the main sponsor of this amusing concert.

• Halloween 3D masquerade

A long awaited breathtaking Halloween 3D masquerade took place with support of Bakcell in October 2011 at one of the most distinguished venues of Baku – Buta Palace. At the masquerade, owner of the best men’s costume was awarded with BlackBerry Bold 9900 phone, and owner of the best women’s costume with BlackBerry Torch 9860. And for the best pair costume, a special prize – 5 day trip to Maldives was presented. The culmination for the event was an auction, where the owner of 6666666 telephone number was determined. The grand masquerade was accompanied by great performance of Deepside Deejays, Funkerman, DJ Shock and DJ Amaori.

• Bu da bu

“Bu da bu” project has earned the biggest viewers auditory among all comic TV shows. This comic show is aired on one of the country’s popular channels under the general sponsorship of Bakcell. Each issue of this show, with popular actor Mushviq Shakhverdiyev in the leading role, offers a multitude of exciting minutes to thousands of viewers.

• Extreme show

For the first time in Azerbaijan an Extreme show with multitude of extreme situations has been organized. This project with breathtaking scenes was notable for its interesting moments, extreme situations, and intriguing scandals which the participants were involved into. In Africa’s burning hot deserts of Namibia and Kalahari, away from the civilization popular celebrities Aygun Kazimova, Nadir Gafarzaden, Nurlan Azizbeyli, rapper ADB Malik and others were struggling for survival. Split in two groups, the participants were trying their strength of will, patience and endurance. For the sake of one drink of water, little piece of bread, tiny place for sleep the reality show heroes had to undergo hard and difficult challenges. This show was also realized with support of Bakcell.

• Xalq ulduzu - national music competition

Bakcell always cares about preservation and development of national cultural heritage. The first mobile Operator of Azerbaijan is sponsoring “Khalg Ulduzu” (People’s star) music contest, and wishes that our national songs and music are cherishingly passed from generation to generation.

• Main sponsor of “Aramızda qalsın” soap-opera is Bakcell

“Aramızda qalsın”- the local TV-project has turned into one of the favorite soap-operas of the Azerbaijani TV audience. Main sponsor of this soap-opera is Bakcell. “Aramızda qalsın” which demonstrates relationships among the one Azerbaijani family has drowned people's wide attention. Bakcell has prepared and placed several short video separators between the episodes to make commercial breaks more attractive. It should be noted that Bakcell is the FIRST company to apply such approach in Azerbaijan. Moreover, during broadcasting this soap-opera different Bakcell campaigns and services are being widely brought to the attention of the public. It was possible via implementation of information about various services into scripts of the soap-opera. Bakcell always differs in respect of communication channels with creative approach and prefers non-standard and innovative methods of communication.