Hennessy, the world’s leading cognac brand, is thrilled to introduce “In the Paint” to Nairobi. This unique artistic initiative brings the brand’s “Never Stop Never Settle” spirit to local communities through a combination of basketball and art.
The initiative is a celebration of Hennessy’s partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the brand takes pride in being the best-selling cognac globally.
Hennessy is deeply invested in urban culture and is committed to bringing communities together. To showcase these values, Hennessy has teamed up with renowned Kenyan visual and graffiti artist Kevin Esendi, also known as Bankslave, to bring a new lease of life to the iconic Jericho basketball court.
This collaboration is a testament to Hennessy’s long-standing support for talented artists who embody the brand’s values, marking a decade of meaningful artistic partnerships.
“In The Paint is part of a global series of artistic collaborations based around basketball in the community, with the first initiative having launched in Montreal, Canada, in 2021,” says Gboyega Ogunfuye Moet Hennessy, Market Manager of Eastern Africa, “We’re excited to announce the first installment here in Nairobi. Basketball has great local potential, and we look forward to celebrating the spirit of the game together with the community.”
The court design for the Jericho basketball court is a blend of urban culture and cognac, drawing inspiration from the shield on the Kenyan flag.
The design represents the people’s quest to defend and protect their heritage, with its formation cutting across the court. The iconic “Bras Armé” symbol, which is synonymous with Hennessy, is subtly redesigned to incorporate the NBA collaboration and basketball in hand.
The court design is adorned with vibrant colors that symbolize the energy of the game and are derived from the East African traditional garment known as the Khanga. The result is a design that captures the essence of both basketball and Kenyan culture.
In addition to the court design, guests were treated to a Fashion Show Experience in partnership with two local designers, 2 Many Siblings and Jimmy Truth (Seasaw Apparels).
The designers embody Hennessy’s DNA, values, and culture by transforming their creative passions into thriving business ventures and pushing beyond the limits.
Their personal ethos echoes Hennessy’s “Never stop. Never settle” mantra, and the fashion show had an urban streetwear theme that added to the overall celebration of basketball and urban culture.
On April 15, 2023, the Camp Toyoyo Jericho basketball court opened its doors to the public as part of a CSR initiative.
The initiative aims to bring authenticity and meaning to the collaboration between the NBA and Hennessy, and it resonates with both brands’ core target audience.
Hennessy has always been invested in the creative industry, and this initiative is a testament to its commitment. By providing a platform for Kenya’s wealth of creative talent, Hennessy hopes to showcase the country’s unique culture and artistic prowess to the world.
The opening of the Camp Toyoyo Jericho basketball court is just the beginning of Hennessy’s continued support for local communities and creative talent.
Through its collaborations and initiatives, Hennessy is committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
These are some of the photos that were taken during the event;
