By Kahari S. Nash “The BooRay! King” & CEO of KSN GAMING
In today’s world, influence is everything. Whether it’s athletes, musicians, or even politicians, the individuals who dominate the cultural landscape have the power to shape industries and ignite brand growth. The secret? Combining gaming, sports, and music—the “Power Trio”—to create a flexible and dynamic platform that connects people across demographics. These are the most respected and admired aspects of pop culture, and even if everyone doesn’t love gambling, nearly everyone loves some form of gamification.
So, how do we leverage the Power Trio to promote brands and businesses? The answer lies in gamifying the customer or fan experience through the likeness of influential people. We’ve seen firsthand how adding a gamification layer—whether fans realize it or not—enhances their engagement with a product or brand. It taps into the idea that luck and possibility are intertwined, and for brands, it’s a game changer.
Success in these ventures isn’t just about having access to influencers, it’s about having a track record of success and a relationship of trust. People want to collaborate with those they know will protect their brand and enhance its value. And often, the biggest challenge isn’t knowing who you need, but identifying the right person to make the introduction. That’s where I come in.
Whether it was no degree of separation with the late Carol Willis, the political godfather behind the national grass root organization “The Buffalo Soldiers” that delivered the Black vote in 1992 & 1996 to elect U.S. President Bill Clinton or legendary icons in sports like the late Jim Brown, who built the Amer-I-Can Foundation, navigating these connections unlocked tremendous value. When you can collaborate with someone like Birdman, Mark Wahlberg or Ted Field (Co-Founder Interscope Records & Founder Radar Pictures)—this visionary trio who’s transformed the music and film industries—it adds a cultural authenticity that resonates with audiences. And having a long-standing relationship with Don King, the legendary boxing promoter who’s shaped the careers of countless champions, reinforces the impact of powerful partnerships.
Think about the untapped potential of linking gaming with F1 Racing Icons like the late Mansour Ojjeh Chairman & CEO of TAG Group – McLaren Racing or even media moguls like Bob Johnson, the co-founder of BET. These are the people that influence markets, shape pop culture, and now, through partnerships, can gamify an experience in ways that connect deeply with diverse audiences. But here’s the key: you never take advantage of those relationships. The real skill is finding the crossover where everyone wins—the influencer, the business, and most importantly, the audience. It’s about aligning agendas so that the collaboration feels authentic and natural.
In business, the same principles apply. Whether it’s Nader Ghermezian, Chairman of Triple Five Group Worldwide, who has revolutionized the retail entertainment experience with Mall of America – West Edmonton Mall – American Dream, or the late Chief (Dr.) Sonny Iwedike Odogwu C.F.R. (Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) “IDE AHABA of ASABA”, who has left a permanent mark on Africa’s business landscape, the opportunities are boundless when industries converge. Add in visionary pioneers like John W. Mecom Jr.; who owned the New Orleans Saints, Mecom Racing (Notable Drivers Roger Penske & A.J. Foyt) and who’s father, John W. Mecom Sr., was the first American to strike oil in the Middle East. I can’t forget Robert Friedland, a mining and venture capital legend (Chairman Ivanhoe Mines / Ivanhoe Energy & Ivanhoe Capital – Seed Capital for Sirius Satellite Radio), and you have a formula that spans industries and brings unprecedented value.
With gaming, sports, and music, we have the ability to gamify any experience, elevate brands, and engage audiences in ways that resonate. And what better example than SCCG NextGen’s recent partnership with rap icon Birdman? He’s someone who has built an empire in music and now he’s making waves in gaming. This is just the beginning of how the Power Trio is going to stun industries and create limitless possibilities for brand growth. If you’re an influencer or a business looking to unlock the potential of these collaborations, let’s talk. This is where everyone wins.
