The Macallan Champions Nigerian Creativity in Exclusive Two-Day Art Exhibition
The Macallan, world-renowned Scottish whisky brand, brought its signature fusion of craftsmanship, storytelling, and sustainability to Lagos over the weekend through an exclusive partnership with premium hospitality destination Mystique. The two-day showcase spotlighted visual art and emotional expression, offering guests a rich cultural experience steeped in heritage and innovation.
The event, which was held on July 26 and 27, featured works by Nigerian artists including Frederick Idele, Danguduro Adeniyi, Atinuke Badmus, and David Olatoye. Each artist explored themes of vulnerability, identity, loyalty, and self-worth, inviting guests to connect with their narratives while savouring The Macallan cocktails designed to elevate the immersive experience.
Speaking on The Macallan’s involvement, Idorenyin Emmanson, Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, said:
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at The Macallan, shaping our distillation process, packaging innovations, and community initiatives. We are proud to support creative expressions that align with our values of legacy, craftsmanship, and purpose-driven storytelling.”
The Macallan has long been recognised as a pioneer in sustainable practices within the whisky industry. With a bold vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, the brand has embedded eco-conscious initiatives across its operations. Since 2021, The Macallan Distillery has been carbon neutral, powered by 99% verified renewable energy sources including wind, biomass steam, and renewable natural gas. Its use of lighter bottles and packaging made with 90–95% recyclable materials has earned the brand ISO 14001 certification and the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark.
In Lagos, this sustainability ethos found new expression through art. Frederick Idele’s “We Them Boys” series featured symbolic stick-figure illustrations layered with African symbols and handwritten reflections. “When we say we’re fine, there’s often more behind the smile. My art exposes those hidden layers, what we feel but don’t always say,” Idele said.
Atinuke Badmus focused on male vulnerability and emotional resilience, drawing from personal experiences with her father, brothers, and close friends. “Behind those masks, they’re going through a lot. But they can’t share. They just try to fix things. This work is about giving them that support,” she said.
Danguduro Adeniyi, whose works were created entirely in the pointillism style using thousands of layered dots, reflected on the power of collective support. “The piece is titled ‘Helping Hand’, which means ‘we rise by lifting each other’. If you look through the work, you will see some African motifs, and the lines crossing the artwork showing their bond, it’s about unity, culture, and the beauty of helping one another grow,” he explained.
David Olatoye took a more introspective approach, with delicate sketches that explored longing and emotional uncertainty. “I infuse fabric and other materials into my work. For instance, I started infusing stained glass into my work as a way of showing my belief in God. I represent my life and belief in my works,” he said
With this showcase, The Macallan signaled more than just a celebration of art, it marked a continued investment in Nigeria’s growing creative economy and cultural capital. As global luxury brands deepen their footprint across Africa, The Macallan is positioning itself not just as a premium whisky, but as a curator of meaningful experiences that bridge heritage, sustainability, and artistic expression.
