BNXN and DJ Maphorisa ignite the stage as Johnnie Walker AfroExchange makes a powerful debut in South Africa

IOL News

5 days ago

The event, a celebration of African excellence, brought together creative giants from South Africa and Nigeria, fusing music, art, fashion, food, and whisky in a night that redefined cultural collaboration on the continent.
Image: SUPPLIED
Host of the evening, media powerhouse Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena, commands the stage with signature style and effortless energy at the first-ever Johnnie Walker AfroExchange in South Africa.
Image: SUPPLIED
Johannesburg, South Africa – 2 July 2025: Johannesburg witnessed a cultural eruption this past weekend as Johnnie Walker AfroExchange made its bold South African debut at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
The event, a celebration of African excellence, brought together creative giants from South Africa and Nigeria, fusing music, art, fashion, food, and whisky in a night that redefined cultural collaboration on the continent.
Hosted by media personality Nomuzi Mabena, affectionately known as Moozlie, the event officially kicked off at 16h00, with the sun setting over a space curated for both comfort and style. From plush couches to high bar tables and open dance floors, the venue layout was designed to encourage connection and celebration. Host of the evening, media powerhouse Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena, commands the stage with signature style and effortless energy at the first-ever Johnnie Walker AfroExchange in South Africa.
At the entrance, guests were welcomed with a thoughtful and intentional touch—upon scanning their tickets, they received seven small capons which granted them access to various experiences throughout the night.
These included a starter, main meal, dessert, bottled water, a complimentary drink, the Wi-Fi password, and hashtags to use throughout the evening, ensuring guests could fully immerse themselves in the experience.
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From Afrobeat to Amapiano—musical forces BNXN (NG), DJ Maphorisa (SA), Thukzin and more delivered electric performances that set the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit ablaze.
Image: SUPPLIED
One of the most interactive highlights of the evening was the Johnnie Walker Spin Game, where attendees spun a wheel to land on a whisky flavour.
Each spin came with a tag, allowing guests to purchase a custom cocktail crafted using the selected Johnnie Walker flavour.
This activation proved to be a crowd favourite, with guests enthusiastically queuing to taste something bold and personalised. Alongside this was the Flavor Station, a dynamic corner where professional mixologists guided guests in mixing their cocktails. It wasn't just a bar—it was a lesson in flavour profiling and whisky appreciation.
The music, of course, was the heartbeat of AfroExchange. Nigerian superstar BNXN delivered a sensational performance that had the crowd singing along, while South Africa's own DJ Maphorisa closed the night with a masterclass in Amapiano that had everyone on their feet. Earlier in the evening, producer Thukzin took guests on an Afro-tech journey that blurred the line between ritual and rave.
The event, a celebration of African excellence, brought together creative giants from South Africa and Nigeria, fusing music, art, fashion, food, and whisky in a night that redefined cultural collaboration on the continent.
Image: SUPPLIED
The sonic lineup continued with Dope Caesar from Nigeria, Shakes & Les, Tito M & Yuppe — who brought the viral hit Tshwala Bam to life—Professor, and Banques & DJ Venom, each bringing a unique sound and energy to the stage. From Afrobeat to Amapiano—musical forces BNXN (NG), DJ Maphorisa (SA), Thukzin, and more delivered electric performances that set the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit ablaze.
Before Maphorisa's performance, a beautiful surprise unfolded when the MC and the team noticed a guest dancing with joy and infectious energy.
They called her up on stage and announced her as the winner of a trip to Lagos with Johnnie Walker. She was also presented with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label and asked to choose someone to take with her — without hesitation, she chose her friend, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Adding to the atmosphere were three professional dancers dressed in distinct Afro-styled attire, delivering synchronised performances that kept the crowd entertained and the energy high. Nearby, the Art Exchange was a moving tribute to Afro-urban identity.
Led by acclaimed South African street artist Dirty Natives and Nigerian portraiture artist Saga — who rose to fame on Big Brother Naija — the live painting installation invites guests not only to observe but participate. People dipped brushes into paint and added their strokes to communal canvases, quite literally leaving their mark on AfroExchange.
Fashion, another pillar of AfroExchange, had its moment under the guidance of Xzavier Zulu, who curated an interactive fashion ramp behind the bar. Here, some of the boldest streetwear brands from Lagos and Johannesburg were showcased.
Meanwhile, fashion-forward attendees flocked to the GALXBOY pop-up shop, where they could purchase a plain white T-shirt and personalise it with Johnnie Walker-branded elements, blending fashion with self-expression in a way that was both stylish and interactive.
The culinary experience was equally intentional. Guests indulged in a fusion of South African and Nigerian flavours, beginning with popular local snacks like Nigerian chin-chin, fried plantain chips, and biltong with wors snack packs.
Main dishes included a South African braai bowl complete with chargrilled lamb chop, creamy pap, and chakalaka; a Nigerian chicken jollof bowl with fried chicken, plantain, and coleslaw; beef potjiekos with rice; and a vegetarian curry served with fluffy white rice.
Dessert was an ode to local favourites, offering mini koeksisters, mini malva pudding with hot custard, and mini milk tartlets, each bite reminding guests of home.
Famous faces also graced the event. Among the attendees were Amapiano favourite DBN GOGO, actor Senzo Radebe from Shaka iLembe, former Muvhango actor Raphael Griffiths, and South African rappers Gigi Lamayne and Reason. The presence of such cultural figures underscored the magnitude of the event and its importance in the local creative scene.
As the music wound down and the lights dimmed, one thing was crystal clear—Johnnie Walker AfroExchange is just getting started. With Lagos set to host the next edition later this year, the cultural baton has officially been passed.
The Johannesburg chapter celebrated the creative pulse of Africa, and Lagos is ready to raise the bar even higher. AfroExchange isn't just an event; it's a movement — one that walks boldly into the future of African creativity.