Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hasan Minhaj Link for New WhatsApp Short Celebrating Cultural Identity

As Hasan Minhaj explains of the personal importance of the short, he's drawn to projects that celebrate his heritage while inspiring others to do the same.

February 22, 2023

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hasan Minhaj have linked up for a new digital short from WhatsApp celebrating the importance of recognizing their respective dual-cultured identities.

The short sees WhatsApp’s first-ever brand partner playing a round of HORSE against Minhaj, albeit with one timely caveat: Instead of using the game’s usual five-letter centerpiece, the two will instead square off for a friendly game using the NBA star’s Yoruba name, Adetokunbo.

“Most people don’t know that Giannis is not my only first name,” Giannis said in a press release. “Ugo is my Nigerian name, and its actually the only name my closest friends and family use on our private WhatsApp chats. I know that many, like Hasan and I, have similar relationships with their names, and we’re proud to bring to light this real story about culture that billions of people around the world can relate to.”

The Daily Show alum echoed those remarks, saying that one of his “greatest joys” is to work on projects like this that celebrate his heritage.

“I’m thrilled to partner with WhatsApp and Giannis on this special project that we hope will inspire others to celebrate all our names and identities,” he added.

The new short opens with Hasan expressing frustration over a barista’s failure to spell his name correctly, a mistake that ultimately inspires the duo’s friendly and educating “game of Adetokunbo.”

Watch the full clip above and check out a selection of photos snapped during the shoot below.