From left:Gbemileke Lawal, Marketing Manager Fountain Business, Grand Oak Ltd.; Made Kuti grandson of the legendary late Fela anikulapo Kuti; Yemi Williams, head of operations, Street media Solutions and Sinmi John Ogunwale, Brand Manager Regal, Grand Oak Ltd during the Fela remembrance Concert afrobeat party 2023 sponsored by Regal Deluxe held in Lagos
The vibrant memory of the legendary Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was stirred on a Sunday evening at the Afrika Shrine through an electrifying commemorative concert, proudly supported by Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin, a creation of Grand Oak.
Fela, the visionary creator of Afrobeat, a musical genre that has endured unwaveringly in the hearts and recollections of his admirers and devotees of his timeless albums, even 26 years after his passing.
In a determined effort to further cement the legacy and remarkable achievements of the late Afrobeat maestro in championing the African music identity, Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin orchestrated a mesmerizing concert that showcased diverse artists’ performances, an enchanting ambiance, and enticing prizes for the fortunate winners of a raffle draw.
Over time, Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin has been refined to provide consumers with a refreshing and smooth gin experience, designed for their relaxation. This quality was clearly evident in the widespread approval and delight garnered by the gin at the Fela Shrine, where fervent lovers of Afrobeat music found themselves repeatedly yearning for more on that Sunday night.
Commenting on the rationale behind the event sponsorship, Sinmidele John Ogunwale, the Brand Manager of Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin, revealed that Fela is an esteemed legend whose impact on Afrobeat music deserves recognition and appreciation. This sentiment was precisely what Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin aimed to honor in the vibrant remembrance event at the 26-year mark.
He said, “Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin is itching for creating experience and enjoyment. It is a lovely Gin that people have appreciated over time and we are used to createing experiences, lovely moment and engagement to consumers. This has informed the decision to be a part of a big day like this, supporting the Afrobeat party.
“Regal Deluxe London Dry will be forty years old this year and we have always been out there, delighting our consumers in different functions, and engagements. We have been speaking into ‘Lagbo Regal’, one of our indegenous projects which we have run over the years conservatively in big forums that speak into ingenuity and celebrate Afro-fusion and Afro music over time. In the last 40 years, I can tell you that Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin has been there in the name of ‘Lagbo Regal’ and ‘Regal jolly. These are platforms which we have played actively well in the entertainment Industry and creating excitements around consumers.
“Fela is legendary and it’s worthy of note that we have to appreciate him for what he has brought to the table in regards to Afro-fusion as we may call it in our respective Ligua. It is a joyful moment that never ends . The idea is for people to keep enjoying the Afro-fusion and Afro beat of Fela Kuti who has made us come together today and celebrate the ingenuity of African Music.”
Also speaking on the remembrance Concert, Yemi Williams, Head of Operations,Street Media Solution, an Event Agency for Fela Remembrance Concert noted that the motivation in Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin in sponsoring the concert is the spirit of excitement embedded in the gathering.
“Fela brand is synonymous to music culture and Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin is the driving factor of the excitement. Fela’s music is more or less a legendary heartbeat that we feel the brand lifestyle fits into the entire activities of the festival. Being the number one Spirit drink, Nigerians need excitement and Regal provides such excitement likewise. Two great positive energies meet to create more positivity. Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin is a positive brand and Fela is a positive brand . It is positivity all the way.
“The fans should therefore embrace the brand in all totality. Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin is the family, it is the Shrine and the Shrine is the Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin.” Williams concluded.
While treating the feverish gathering to his pulsating and energetic beat, Made Kuti, the grandson of the Afrobeat maestro thanked the fans, Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin and promised that the family would continue to uphold the legacies of Fela Kuti.
Fondly known as Abami Eda, Fela launched a brand of modern music called Afrobeat which fused African blues, Jazz and funk with traditional Yoruba music. 26 years after his death, the world has continued to celebrate him and appreciate his brand of music.
Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin has therefore proved to be a perfect match to the excitement, rigour, originality and indigenousness provided by Fela’s Afrobeat music.
