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Tag: Marketing and Innovations Director

  • Guinness Nigeria Makes Historic AMVCA Debut with Multi-Brand Sponsorship

    Guinness Nigeria Makes Historic AMVCA Debut with Multi-Brand Sponsorship

    Guinness Nigeria Plc has stepped onto Africa’s biggest creative stage with a first-of-its-kind multi-brand sponsorship of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), bringing Guinness, Malta Guinness, Orijin, and Smirnoff together across the 12th edition of the awards. The AMVCA became a showcase for the brands Guinness Nigeria produces locally, brought to the stage through the company’s sustained partnership with Diageo. The sponsorship marks a significant shift in how Guinness Nigeria shows up in the spaces where African creativity, storytelling, and cultural identity are being shaped.

    Speaking at the event, Girish Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, reflected on what the moment means for the company and its brands. “Our continued collaboration with Diageo allows us to bring an exceptional portfolio of brands to the moments Nigerian consumers care about most. Showcasing Guinness, Orijin, and Smirnoff at a stage like the AMVCA matters because these are brands made here, by us, for the people shaping Africa’s creative and cultural future,” he said.

    Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations and Legal Director at Guinness Nigeria, who presented the Best Indigenous Language award sponsored by Smirnoff Ice, spoke to the wider significance of the partnership. “Recognising excellence in indigenous language storytelling is a moment that sits close to who we are as a company rooted in Nigeria. Through Smirnoff Ice, we are honouring the creators keeping our languages, our stories, and our cultural identity alive on screen, and that is a privilege we do not take lightly,” he said.

    Ramanathan Solayappan, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria, spoke to the consumer thinking behind the multi-brand showing. “Each of our brands speaks to diverse parts of the Nigerian consumer’s life, and the AMVCA gives us one stage where all of those connections come alive at once. It is a reminder that marketing is about showing up meaningfully where culture is being shaped,” he said.

    The decision to bring a full slate of brands to one cultural moment reflects Guinness Nigeria’s broader philosophy of showing up where culture is actively being shaped. Guinness, making its AMVCA debut, presented the Best Director category, reinforcing its support for the creators shaping the future of African cinema. Orijin brought its celebration of originality and African identity to the AMVCA Cultural Night, while Smirnoff added a playful, modern energy designed to connect with the younger audiences driving today’s creative culture. Malta Guinness extended its Every Side of You campaign into the AMVCA moment, celebrating the many sides of consumers as they show up across culture, creativity, and everyday life. Diageo also brought its Don Julio and The Singleton brands into the showcase, with Don Julio anchoring the celebration as headline sponsor.

    The AMVCA partnership forms part of a wider cultural calendar for Guinness Nigeria in 2026. Alongside activations around major football experiences and heritage moments like the Ojude Oba Festival, the AMVCA reinforces the company’s growing focus on entertainment, sport, and culture as the spaces where consumer passion and community identity intersect.

    Through Guinness, Malta Guinness, Orijin, and Smirnoff, Guinness Nigeria did not simply sponsor an event. It participated in the broader story of African creativity, ambition, and cultural influence

  • Lagos, FirstBank, Guinness, The Address Homes, Swedish Government, Gobet247, Utilita, others Lead 9th AFRIMA Sponsorship Line-Up

    Lagos, FirstBank, Guinness, The Address Homes, Swedish Government, Gobet247, Utilita, others Lead 9th AFRIMA Sponsorship Line-Up

    The Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, The Address Homes, the Government of Sweden, Gobet247 and several other major organisations have thrown their weight as sponsors behind the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), scheduled to hold from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos.

    AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), unveiled its strong list of sponsors and partners, showing growing confidence in African music as a major cultural and economic force.

    The 9th edition, themed “Unstoppable Africa,” has attracted support from key sectors including finance, real estate, beverages, digital platforms, media, hospitality and international cultural institutions.

    Following the acceptance of Lagos State Government of the offer from the African Union, Lagos will once again serve as the Official Host City, reinforcing the state’s position as Africa’s leading creative and entertainment hub. With the strong backing of the awards from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the 9th AFRIMA promises to be hugely successful. The African Union Commission remains AFRIMA’s legacy Institutional Partner, supporting its mission to promote African music and culture across the continent and beyond.

    At the top level of sponsorship, fast-growing digital payments and lifestyle platform Utilita and leading gaming and entertainment brand Gobet247 are headlining the event as National Gold Sponsors.

    At the Silver level, First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and The Address Homes have been confirmed as National Silver Partners. Guinness Nigeria joins as the Official Beer Sponsor, bringing added energy to this year’s festivities. AFRIMA also welcomes international cultural support from the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden, both serving as Cultural Exchange Partners.

    In travel and hospitality, Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels and Dorf Travels & Tours Ltd have been named the Official Travel Partners. Vaniti Lagos and Knowhere Restaurant will host nominees and special guests as Hospitality Partners. Popular youth culture platform Mainland Block Party Lagos is also supporting the celebration, adding street culture and community energy to the awards week at the AFRIMA Music Village holding at Ikeja City Mall on Friday, January 9,2026.

    AFRIMA has also confirmed a strong coalition of leading media organisations across radio, television, digital platforms, print, and Out-of-Home (OOH) channels as its Official Media Partners for the 9th Edition. These include DSTV/Multichoice, HIPTV, Afro Music Pop, Base FM, Beat FM, Classic FM, Hot FM, Kennis FM, Lagos Talks, Inspiration FM, Traffic Radio, Radio Lagos, Eko FM, and Lasgidi FM.

    Others on the partnership roster are The Culture Newspapers (TCN),Legit.ng, Max FM, Nigeria Info, Nigezie, Television Continental (TVC), and Yanga FM, along with top OOH companies led by MotoMedia, Yartview Ltd, Optimus Exposure, Plural Media, Folham Nigeria Limited and Nimbus Media.

    Speaking on FirstBank’s support, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s creative industry.

    “At FirstBank, we are dedicated to promoting Africa’s vibrant creative industry, and our partnership with AFRIMA reflects this commitment. Through our First@Arts initiative, we have consistently supported projects across the creative value chain, nurturing talent and enabling production. In doing this, we preserve Africa’s rich cultural heritage while promoting unity, education and entertainment.”

    From the international community, H.E. Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, said, “Sweden is proud to join AFRIMA in celebrating the richness and global impact of African music. In 2026, we will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria, highlighting our strong ties. As the world’s third-largest music exporter, we believe in the power of collaboration and idea exchange. This partnership enhances our cultural and business connections, and we look forward to a meaningful week supporting the creative industries.”

    Also speaking, Yinka Bakare, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the brand’s involvement reflects its deep roots in African culture.

    “Guinness has been woven into Africa’s most iconic cultural moments for decades, and our sponsorship of AFRIMA’s 9th edition reinforces that heritage. AFRIMA celebrates the extraordinary artistry that defines Africa, and we are proud to support a platform that showcases the continent’s greatness to the world.”

    Founder and Chairman of The Address Homes, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, described AFRIMA as an important platform for African creativity, collaboration and cultural identity expressions.

    “AFRIMA represents the spirit of African excellence and innovation. At The Address Homes, we believe that culture, creativity and enterprise must work together to drive sustainable growth. Supporting AFRIMA is our way of building and investing in Africa’s talents, strengthening cultural pride and opening new opportunities for creative young people and business partnerships across the continent.”

    Speaking during the sponsorship announcement in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Ms. Edwidge Goli, Director of Partnerships at AFRIMA, described the sponsorship line-up as a strong vote of confidence in African music.

    “This is more than sponsorship. It is a historic show of belief in the power of African music, the brilliance of our talents and the future of our creative industries,” she said.

    She thanked the Lagos State Government for hosting the event again and praised the commitment of the Gold and Silver sponsors, as well as international partners and media organisations.

    The 9th AFRIMA will commence with the Nominees and Guests Welcome Soirees scheduled on January 7. This will be followed by the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) on January 8 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.

    AFRIMA Music Village Concert and Diamond Showcase will take place on January 9 at the Ikeja City Mall, leading up to the grand Awards Ceremony on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre at Eko Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria. Red carpet starts at 3:30 pm (WAT).

    The awards ceremony, along with major live performances, will be broadcast to audiences in over 84 countries worldwide.

  • Malta Guinness Takes Over Social Media with Staggering ‘Real in Every Way’ Movement

    Malta Guinness Takes Over Social Media with Staggering ‘Real in Every Way’ Movement

    Malta Guinness, Nigeria’s No. 1 premium malt drink, has ignited a refreshing wave of authenticity across social media with its vibrant new campaign, “Real in Every Way.” The campaign celebrates real stories, real connections, and the everyday people whose authenticity fuels the nation’s spirit, just as the brand’s uplifting energy.

    The movement took off when BBNaija Season 10 winner, Imisi, jumped on Twitter to share deeply personal stories about the Real People in her life. Her posts instantly resonated with over one million fans, who eagerly joined the conversation, opening up about the friends, siblings, and mentors who inspire them to stay true and real.

    This momentum soared even higher when popular influencer, Asherkine, lent his voice to the discussion on Instagram. With his signature humour and relatability, he spoke about having real people in his life, spotlighted Malta Guinness as the brand that has been a real part of his journey and is championing this movement, and finally invited his followers to celebrate the real people in their lives.

    Speaking on the campaign’s impact, Yinka Bakare, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria, said, “At Malta Guinness, realness isn’t just a message – it’s our identity. We’re passionate about inspiring Nigerians to embrace their truth and celebrate the people who bring real energy into their lives. Watching Imisi, Asherkine, and millions of fans take ownership of this movement shows how deeply authenticity resonates. ‘Real in Every Way’ isn’t just a campaign; it’s a celebration of who we truly are.”

    Echoing this sentiment, influencer Asherkine added, “This campaign felt personal because Malta Guinness has always been that brand that stays real with Nigerians. It’s not pretending, it’s not trying too hard – it’s just pure, feel-good energy. Being part of a movement that encourages people to be themselves and honour the real ones in their lives? That’s the kind of vibe I love to lead.”

    With “Real in Every Way,” Malta Guinness continues to champion optimism, originality, and the uplifting energy that has made it a beloved part of Nigerian life for generations. The conversation keeps growing as fans nationwide share their stories and toast to realness with a can of Malta Guinness in hand.

  • Smirnoff Unveils N150 Million ‘Chill & Win Big’ Promo

    Smirnoff Unveils N150 Million ‘Chill & Win Big’ Promo

    Smirnoff Ice, the premium and delightfully refreshing drink, is delighted to introduce ‘Chill & Win Big’, its latest N150 Million nationwide consumer promotion.  Chill & Win Big is strategically crafted to reward consumers for their loyalty and to drive brand engagement.

    Commencing January 25th, 2024, and running for three months, Smirnoff Ice Chill & Win Big features a range of thrilling prizes including Uber vouchers, Shortlet getaways, airtime wins, cash rewards, and an exclusive opportunity for 15 lucky winners to travel to a destination with an A-List artist to Chillout in a distinct Smirnoff style.

    To enter, consumers above legal drinking age are encouraged to purchase a bottle, unveil the unique code under the cork, and text the code to the 8011 for a chance to unlock a phenomenal array of prizes. Smirnoff promotes responsible drinking, urging moderation in participation. Grand prize winners will be selected in a weekly televised draw, to be announced.

    Speaking at a Press conference held at the Guinness Nigeria Headquarters, Mark Mugisha, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria, shared his excitement for the campaign, stating, “With Smirnoff Ice Chill & Win Win Big promo, Smirnoff is not only presenting an opportunity for our consumers to win exciting prizes, we are creating a platform for shared experiences.  It is why Chill & Win Big aligns so perfectly with Smirnoff’s commitment to bringing people together in celebration.  We cannot wait to see our consumers chill and win with Smirnoff”.

    For continuous updates, event details, and additional information about the promo, consumers are advised to stay tuned to Smirnoff’s official channels, including the website, social media pages, and authorized retail outlets.

    18+. Enjoy Smirnoff responsibly.

  • Orijin Celebrates the resilient spirit of Nigerians with the Unveiling of a Limited Edition Pack

    Orijin Celebrates the resilient spirit of Nigerians with the Unveiling of a Limited Edition Pack

    Orijin, Nigeria’s leading alcoholic blend of African herbs and fruits, unveiled its highly anticipated Limited Edition Pack at the Guinness Nigeria HQ on the 30th of November 2023. The event, graced by the incoming Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, Orijin brand Ambassador, Bright Okpocha aka Basket Mouth, renowned lifestyle influencers, and distinguished members of the press was a celebration of resilience and cultural artistry.

    The launch event was a diverse variety of engaging activities, symbolizing the resilience engraved in the brand’s overall campaign, ‘Deeply Rooted.’ Attendees witnessed the dramatic unveiling of the packs, an awe-inspiring moment amplified by music, lights, and paparazzi. The Mask Art frames showcased enlarged versions of the mask designs on the limited edition packs, allowing guests to delve into the inspiration behind each mask, appreciating the artistry behind Flenjor, Jolly, and Chillax. This celebration echoed the essence of the limited edition packs, inspiring attendees to tap into their roots to fuel their resilience as they navigate everyday life’s challenges.

    Mark Mugisha, Marketing and Innovations Director, Guinness Nigeria, noted, “We’re committed to telling the vibrant story of Guinness Nigeria and our brands. Yet, nothing compares to the 200 million unique stories of Nigerians, showcasing exceptional resilience. Today, I proudly join in amplifying Orijin’s Orijinality, a brand deeply rooted in our culture and celebrating the exceptional Nigerian spirit. I urge you all to embrace your roots, stay Orijinal, and remain exceptional. Cheers to all Orijinals; it’s been a year!”

    The event, attended by media representatives and influencers including Efe Money, Neo Akpofure, and Jenni Frank was hosted by the renowned comedian and compere, Forever (Akuidolo Orevaoghene). It showcased an array of cultural delights, including captivating performances by the Atilogu dance troupes and an insightful mini-art talk by Dadee Daniel, the artistic mind behind the new label design. Brand Ambassador, Basketmouth also delivered a toast honouring the resilience and deep-rootedness of all Orijinals. The celebratory mood soared with vibrant music curated by the DJ, further enhancing the lively atmosphere of the occasion

    The Limited Edition Pack is now available for consumers in bars, stores, and all leading sales outlets nationwide, inviting Orijinals everywhere to experience and celebrate resilience in every sip. For more information about Orijin’s Limited Edition Pack and its celebration of resilience, follow @OrijinNigeria on Facebook and @Orijin_Nigeria on Instagram.