Lagos meets Johannesburg as the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is transformed into a cultural playground for music, fashion, art and mixology.
On Saturday, 28 June, the legendary Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit was reimagined into a bold, sensory-rich celebration of African creativity, as Johnnie Walker launched its acclaimed AfroExchange platform on South African soil for the very first time. Known for its unapologetic celebration of culture, innovation, and progress, the AfroExchange series has quickly become a hallmark of Johnnie Walker’s commitment to walking with those who move culture forward — and this latest edition delivered on that promise in style.
Bringing together the best of Nigeria and South Africa’s creative talent, the event was a high-octane experience across multiple touchpoints — music, fashion, art, and mixology — curated to spotlight the vibrancy, diversity, and cultural synergy of the continent. With over a thousand influential guests, creatives, and tastemakers in attendance, the night unfolded as a dynamic showcase of African excellence.
The main stage lit up with unforgettable performances from BNXN (Nigeria), DJ Maphorisa, Dlala Thukzin, and more — igniting a crowd of music lovers with genre-defying energy. Alongside the musical lineup, the event also featured:
- A live fashion ramp curated by visionary stylist Xzavier Zulu, spotlighting some of the continent’s most innovative designers;
- A limited-edition tee pop-up by cult streetwear label GALXBOY, where guests could personalise AfroExchange tees on-site;
- Immersive art installations by celebrated visual artists Dirty Native and Saga, whose bold, boundary-pushing work captured the pulse of a new African visual language;
- Custom whisky cocktail bars, where top African mixologists crafted Johnnie Walker serves inspired by the flavours and spirit of both Lagos and Johannesburg.
The event also featured an AfroExchange Studio, a space where creators and influencers from across Africa gathered to share ideas, capture content, and reflect on the evolving role of creativity in shaping African identity. From breakout conversations to behind-the-scenes collaborations, the Studio added a layered richness to an already dynamic program.
As Johnnie Walker continues to evolve beyond whisky and into the lifestyle and cultural spaces its consumers live in, AfroExchange has emerged as a powerful expression of this ambition — one that honours the brand’s legacy while walking boldly into the future of African excellence.
