Latest news with #AfroExchange
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
BNXN and DJ Maphorisa take up stage at Johnnie Walker AfroExchange
Johannesburg witnessed a cultural eruption in late June as Johnnie Walker AfroExchange made its powerful debut at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. From bold whiskey flavours to boundary-breaking beats, the event brought creative powerhouses from South Africa and Nigeria together under one roof for a celebration and exchange of African excellence between two of the continent's most vibrant countries. Ifeoma Agu, group head of culture, influencer, and advocacy at Diageo South, West, and Central Africa, said AfroExchange was the intersection of rhythm, canvas, and couture – a celebration of how we create, express, and define culture. Also read: Kyalami circuit nears F1 host status as upgrade plans approved 'We walk with the artists, designers, and musicians who are turning Afro creativity into global influence. This is more than an event; it's a platform for bold creators to be seen, heard, and celebrated,' said Agu. Hosted by Nomuzi Mabena, popularly known as Moozlie, Johnnie Walker AfroExchange was an opportunity to remind all Africans of the power of their creativity. The highlight of the night was the stellar music line-up, which saw the convergence of the continent's most innovative sonic architects. Nigerian superstar BNXN delivered an unforgettable performance; South Africa's own DJ Maphorisa shut down the stage with an Amapiano masterclass, while Thukzin took the audience on an Afro-tech journey that blurred the line between rave and ritual, among others. Also read: South Africa's premier automotive event returns to Kyalami Throughout the night, the bar remained a vibrant part of the experience, offering bespoke Johnnie Walker cocktails that paired perfectly with the evening's curated beats, visuals, and style. One of the most exciting experiences of the evening was the Flavour Station, a dynamic corner of the venue where guests could learn to mix their cocktails under the guidance of expert mixologists. As the music played and the drinks flowed, attendees were invited to create their art, adding brushstrokes to communal canvases and leaving their mark on AfroExchange in the most personal way possible. The event saw the likes of South Africa's most loved Amapiano DJ DBN GOGO, Shaka ILembe actor Senzo Radebe, former Muvhango actor Raphael Griffiths, and South African rappers Gigi Lamayne and Reason in attendance. As the night ended and the beats faded, one thing was clear: JW AfroExchange is just getting started. With Lagos up next later in the year, the cultural baton has officially been passed, promising more collaboration, more creativity, and even deeper cross-cultural resonance. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
News24
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Joburg meets Lagos in an AfroExchange cultural takeover
The summit brought together creatives from Nigeria and SA to celebrate creativity and cultural exchange. Industry leaders such as Amahle Jaxa, Omashola Oburoh and Ayanda Mhlongo participated in panel discussions. A concert featuring Afrobeats artists BNXN and DJ Maphorisa showcased the growing influence of African music and culture. @citypressza Johnnie Walker brought South Africa and Nigeria together for a cool event called AfroExchange. The two countries united through music, art, food and fashion at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand. #afroexchange #djmaphorisa #southafrica #nigeria ♬ original sound - City Press We may beef on social media and have other issues with each other, but SA and Nigeria will always have the sibling love/hate relationship. This was proven by the launch of the AfroExchange Creative Summit last month held in Rosebank and the AfroExchange event that took place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit recently Supplied AfroExchange was introduced to celebrate Africa's creative spirit through creating a vibrant platform designed to explore, champion and connect African creativity. As Africa's influential countries, Nigeria and SA are brought together by art, fashion, food and music. The intimate summit, hosted by musician and businessperson Siya 'Slikour' Metane, had a panel discussion led by content creator and businesswoman Amahle Jaxa. Omashola Oburoh, Ayanda 'Aya' Mhlongo and Austin Malema were also part of the dialogue Mhlongo said that she worked for a global brand for a few years and added that the only way Africans could own their stories on the global stage was by participating on the global stage. We can't expect someone sitting in an office in Sweden to tell an authentic African story compared to what an Aya would do. Ayanda Mhlongo 'We should start focusing on the global stage because not only are we better, but we are also honest. African art transcends anything across the globe because what we do is honest and relatable everywhere,' she said. Business owner, model and musician Oburoh said when he was growing up in Nigeria, people did not want to listen to Nigerian music, but preferred American hip-hop. However, times have changed and American artists want to feature African musicians and creatives. 'Those are people we never thought in our lifetime would ever do Afrobeats music. When you talked about African music, no one cared, but now they are more into Afrobeats,' he said. Having lived in Lagos and Johannesburg, Oburoh said both cities had distinct vibes. He added that it made him happy to see people in SA clubs looking forward to hearing Afrobeats during a DJ set. The artists were part of the Johnnie Walker AfroExchange event at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit hosted by Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena. Bringing electrifying energy on stage were artists such as Nigerian singer BNXN, Tito M and Yuppe, Shakes and Les, Professor, Dlala Thukzin, Banquesz and Veno, with DJ Maphorisa headlining the event. Also featured was SA and Nigerian food, bridging the gap between the two countries, arts and merchants such as Galxboy, Xavier Zulu, Dirty Natives and Saga while others enjoyed a fashion show, whisky tasting and pairing. Supplied Ifeoma Agu, the group head of culture, influencer and advocacy at Diageo South, West and Central Africa, said the two countries met on four expressive pillars that shaped culture and how the world sees us – food, music, art and fashion. As a brand deeply embedded in promoting African culture. Johnnie Walker is proud to walk alongside this generation of visionary creatives who are turning Afro creativity into global influence. AfroExchange is more than a platform; it is a celebration of cultural dialogue. Ifeoma Agu The date for the Lagos leg of the event is yet to be announce but Johnnie Walker's commitment to creativity will be amplified.
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Johnnie Walker introduces a bold, pan-African cultural platform
Launching in June 2025 in Johannesburg and continuing in Lagos in September, Johnnie Walker AfroExchange will unfold through a series of powerful, culturally rich experiences Johnnie Walker, the world's number one Scotch whisky, proudly announces the launch of Johnnie Walker AfroExchange — a bold, pan-African cultural platform that celebrates the continent's creative pulse. From Johannesburg to Lagos, AfroExchange brings together visionary voices in fashion, music, food, art, and storytelling, creating space for collaboration, expression, and shared progress. Rooted in the spirit of the brand's Keep Walking philosophy, AfroExchange is more than an event— it's a movement dedicated to spotlighting Africa's most dynamic cultural trailblazers and building bridges between two of its most influential creative hubs. Launching in June 2025 in Johannesburg and continuing in Lagos in September, Johnnie Walker AfroExchange will unfold through a series of powerful, culturally rich experiences: The Creative Summit – A vibrant gathering of Africa's leading creative minds in Johannesburg, where influential voices will exchange ideas, ignite new partnerships, and explore the future of the continent's creative industries. The Fashion Exchange – A standout collaboration between South Africa's Wanda Lephoto and Nigeria's Dye Lab, resulting in a unique capsule collection that blends their signature styles with the storied heritage of Johnnie Walker. AfroExchange Live – A high-energy lineup of immersive events in both cities, offering curated performances, interactive art, bold culinary moments, and vibrant experiences that celebrate the spirit of contemporary Africa. 'At Johnnie Walker, we believe in celebrating those who challenge convention, shift culture, and shape what's next,' says Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencer and Advocacy at Diageo Southern, West and Central Africa. 'AfroExchange is our tribute to Africa's bold creators — a space for connection, experimentation, and cultural pride.' With AfroExchange, Johnnie Walker reaffirms its commitment to walking alongside the continent's fearless creators — fueling progress and celebrating the power of African expression.
