Black & Gold Is Never Old as Guinness Celebrates 250

On Saturday 18th of July, Guinness launched their Guinness 250 campaign. Its hard to imagine that the brand was created 250 years ago but  indeed it was.

It was a cool event – The black and gold theme hit you as soon as you hit the black carpet at Jade Palace in Victoria Island Lagos. The sounds of the saxophonists and other musicians giving live renditions of contemporary Nigerian hits was the next unique feature. Stars including Segun Arinze, Bimbo Akintola, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Uche Jombo, Darey Art Alade and many others were being interviewed in various corners of the welcoming suite. From there guests proceeded to the dinner and were welcomed by the event compere  – Frank Edoho of ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
Waje (of P-Square’s ‘Do Me’ Fame) delivered a stirring rendition of the Nigerian national anthem and then the MD of Guinness Nigeria and Brand Manager Guinness Nigeria gave an brief yet interesting speeches – Bet you didnt know that the first Guinness plant built ever built outside of the UK was in Nigeria plus 1 Million (!) Bottles of Guinness are sold in Nigeria daily.

After the execs had their say, Darey hit the stage and all I can say is WOW! Have never seen Darey perform live before but he proved that he has indeed mastered his craft. Assisted by his band, he performed hits including Bobby Benson’s ‘Taxi Driver’, Fela’s ‘Water’ and then his hit ‘Style Na Style’. What set this performance apart was his interaction with the crowd. Absolutely spot on! Omawumi was the next on stage – she performed some of her hits including ‘In the Music’ and Onyeka Onwenu’s ‘Ekwe’. The girl can SING – definitely an indisputable talent! Her duo of dancers also did a good job.

Guinness announced a National Consumer Promotion to celebrate 250 years and reward loyal consumers and asked that we all be in expectation of September 24th as Nigeria raise their glasses and the worldwide celebration of Arthur Guinness Day.
And the highpoint of the night, Jay-Jay Okocha was unveiled as the new Guinness ambassador. Then it was capped with performances by Banky W, MI and DJ Jimmy-Jatt at the afterparty at Volar NightClub.
Nice One Guinness.
Check out this recent article from The Times (UK) on how Guinness sales in Nigeria is driving Diageo’s growth. Click HERE

Guinness Brand Manager Ohimai Atafo being interviewed by Spice TV's Isio on the black carpet

Musicians at Work

Compere Frank Edo doing his thing

Darey works the crowd into a frenzy

A guest gets her chance to shine on stage

Omawumi and her dancers get in the music!

Jay Jay named Guinness Brand Ambassador

Cheers to Guinness at 250!