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Malia Obama is making waves again, this time as director of Nike’s new ad for A’ja Wilson’s signature sneakers. Wilson, a force in women’s basketball, plays for the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces and holds two league MVP titles and an Olympic gold medal. In 2024, she was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, featured in the “Titans” category, solidifying her influence both on and off the court.
© Getty ImagesAhead of the highly anticipated May 6 launch of the A’One sneakers, the daughter of the former First Lady shared two powerful short clips on social media. In the first, a young girl teaches basketball star A’ja Wilson a hand-clapping game set to a reimagined version of the song Miss Mary Mack.
The lyrics have been rewritten to honor Wilson's remarkable career: “A’ja Wilson’s at the top, top, top; no one’s taking her spot, spot, spot." The girl sings as they clap together. When A’ja messes up the rhythm, the girl stands up and says, “Here, let me show you how a pro does it.”
Fans were quick to flood social media with praise for the video. “These are the sweetest ads I’ve ever seen! Every detail of this launch feels so intentional and full of care. Only the best for our GOAT!” one user wrote. Another added, “Directed by THEE Malia Obama!!!” A third chimed in, “It’s perfect—from the hand game to the girl’s hair. They nailed it. I love it!” Someone else commented, “This ad is pure Black Girl Magic. It made me smile so hard!”
In the second clip, A’ja sits down for an interview at Big T’s Bar-B-Que, a beloved spot in her hometown of Columbia.
© NikeHow Malia's Nike ad redefines sneaker culture
© Getty Images- Malia's Nike commercial for the A’One, the signature sneaker of WNBA star A’ja Wilson, sets a bold new tone for sneaker marketing. The spot blends cinematic storytelling with cultural depth, moving beyond the typical performance-first, male-centered formula.
- The ad opens with the familiar rhythm of “Miss Mary Mack,” reimagined as a hand-clapping game between children. They sing, “A’ja Wilson’s at the top, top, top, no one’s taking her spot, spot, spot,” transforming a nostalgic tune into a powerful celebration of Black girlhood. It’s a joyful, community-driven narrative that reshapes how sneakers—and the women who wear them—are represented.
- Directed with Malia’s signature artistic eye, the spot draws from her acclaimed short film The Heart (Sundance 2024), blending lush visuals and Wilson’s bold “A’Symmetric” design into a short film-style experience. The focus on Wilson as both an athlete and a creative force challenges the norms of an industry long dominated by male figures.
- Fans lit up social media, praising the ad’s authenticity, visual style, and emotional depth. More than a sneaker drop, it’s a cultural statement—Malia’s vision puts heritage, artistry, and Black women’s leadership front and center.
From Sundance to Nike: Malia’s creative leap
© AFP via Getty ImagesThis marks the latest step in Malia’s budding film career, following her directorial debut at the 50th Sundance Film Festival. In January 2024, she premiered her short film The Heart, which earned her the Young Spirit Award. “The short is about lost things, lonely people, forgiveness, and regret—but it’s also about trying to find tenderness and closeness in all of that,” she explained in a YouTube video at the time.
© WireImageNow 26, Malia admitted in an interview with Paris Match that she felt nervous entering the industry: “I’m really excited. I’ve never done anything like this... so yes, I’m a little terrified, but mostly thrilled.” For the credits of The Heart, she went by Malia Ann, stepping away from her famous last name. But in a surprising move, she chose to use “Obama” for the Nike vignettes.
Her father, Barack Obama, revealed that both Malia and her younger sister, Sasha, are determined to forge their paths. “The challenge for us is just getting them to let us help at all,” the former president said on The Pivot podcast. “They’re very sensitive about that. Very stubborn.”
© Getty ImagesBarack recalled a conversation with his eldest daughter, where he warned her, “You know they’re going to know who you are.” But Malia replied, “I want people to see it for the first time without thinking about that.” The former president claims that both Malia and Sasha intentionally avoid relying on their last name.
Malia has also stepped behind the camera for the music video of One and Only by Michael Kiwanuka, adding another creative credit to her growing résumé.
