Hennessy partners with M.I., Cobhams and Other Musical Giants for an Unparalleled Series of Urban Music Concerts

Hennessy, the bestselling Cognac in the world, today announces the kick-off of the third annual edition of the acclaimed Hennessy Artistry series, in Nigeria. The ‘global art of mixing’ arrives in Lagos on September 10th 2009 with a series of live-music concerts featuring a thrilling cocktail of some of the city’s fastest rising urban-music artistes.

The theme for 2009 sees Hennessy teaming up with 5 of the hottest music producers on the entertainment scene, including Cobhams, Jesse Jagz, Knighthouse, Dokta Frabz and Mr. Daz. Each producer has selected an artiste from his repertoire with the potential to be ‘the next big thing’, and all 5 artistes will battle it out on the Hennessy Artistry stage four times in September before the Grand Finale at the end of the month. The artistes are Bez (for Cobhams), Ice Prince (for Jesse Jagz), Mo’Cheddah (for Knighthouse), Jimmy Flames (for Dr. Frabz) and Blaise (for Mr. Daz). The shows will involve an exciting eclectic mix of soul, hip-hop and R&B, and will begin at Saipan on September 10th, followed by Volar on September 11th, Q Club on September 18th and Nu Grotto on September 19th. These shows are the pre-cursors to an exclusive Grand Finale scheduled to hold on Friday September 25th at The Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island.

The Grand Finale, a night of spectacular entertainment, will feature the renowned hip-hop artiste M.I taking to the Hennessy Artistry stage as the headliner and chief host for the night. The ‘Crowd Mentality’ star, whose accolades include a string of Hiphop World Awards, will thrill the VIP audience and special invited guests with live band performances of some of his most popular hits. M.I. will then join Hennessy and the who’s who of the Nigerian entertainment industry in declaring one of the 5 artistes listed above as the winner of Hennessy Artistry 2009.

The Nigerian arm of Hennessy Artistry is part of Hennessy’s global urban music initiative which has brought musical stars such as Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Wyclef Jean, LL Cool J, Ashanti, Fabolous, Leona Lewis and a host of other award-winning musicians around the world to the Hennessy stage. Later this year, hip-hop impresario Common, will headline the ultimate Hennessy Artistry Halo Finale alongside The Roots in New York.

GDN Nigeria Limited is the exclusive agent for the Moet Hennessy portfolio of products in Nigeria. Hennessy distills, ages and blends a full range of marques, including Hennessy V.S, V.S.O.P, X.O, Paradis, Richard Hennessy and Ellipse. Visit www.hennessy.com.ng for more information about Hennessy and Hennessy Artistry.

Bella Naija is an official media partner and will be bringing you all the Hennessy Artistry EXCLUSIVES & GIVEAWAYS. Watch out for profiles and interviews with all the Hennessy Artistry producers and