Hennessy Inspires Creatives to Never Stop, Never Settle

Hennessy Very Special launched the second instalment of its distinctive brand campaign – Never Stop. Never Settle, at an event held at Aspire Centre, Westlands. The event brought together creatives from different fields for a panel discussion, highlighting the state of the creative industry in Kenya. I attended the event and enjoyed the conversations around the creative economy in Kenya and what the future looks like for creative entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the creative entrepreneurship panel discussion, Moet Hennessy Market Manager Eastern Africa  Alexandre Helaine noted that, having existed for 252 years with 150 years in Africa, Hennessy as a brand believes in crafting the future. Through the Never Stop Never Settle campaign, Hennessy hopes to inspire creatives and future generations to follow their passions and pursue their dreams defining success in their own terms. 

He further added that “Never Stop. Never Settle is dedicated to Africa and tells the story of individuals who are driving change, by transforming their creative passions into thriving business ventures, and in so doing, boldly challenge us to see the world through fresh eyes – a world where the old rules no longer apply.”

The new Hennessy Very Special campaign highlights eight real-life creative entrepreneurs from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Ivory Coast, delving deep into each of their unique stories to discover how inner drive, confidence, passion, and talent can create chain reactions, and unite millions. From digital music start-ups, photography, choreography and film production, these individuals exemplify a generation of innovation and leadership, who break through convention to create a different kind of world.

Photographer Mutua Matheka, one of the creative entrepreneurs featured in the campaign said that ” Whereas Hennessy has been strongly linked to music, I am humbled to be part of this new revolution that focuses on other forms of art besides music.  Through the Never Stop. Never settle campaign, Hennessy is inspiring and encouraging many young creative entrepreneurs to scale greater heights.”

One of the panellists at the creative entrepreneurship discussion, Music producer & Founder Ennovator Music Tim Rimbui added that “There is a need for creatives to network in such forums in order to reach a wider audience and showcase their crafts.”

Other panellists present included, Joy Mboya Executive Director –  The GoDown Art Centre, Diana Opoti – Founder Designing Africa Collective and  Sammy Lusiola – Reelforge Media.  The conversation sparked some debate on mediums as well as media when it comes to content creation, with a number of creatives noting that digital media has made it possible for their careers to exist, while others thought that traditional media cannot be discounted. I am definitely in the former camp and hope to be in more spaces where these much needed conversations can happen.