Kigali came alive (figuratively) on Saturday night, November 25, as enthusiasts of Heineken flocked to Atelier du Vin to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the pale lager.
The exclusive, invite-only event attracted a diverse crowd, including Rwanda's corporate elite, celebrities, content creators, and party enthusiasts.
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The soirée, titled "Destination Good Times," was an open-bar haven, offering Heineken, soft drinks, and signature Heineken cocktails. Attendees immersed themselves in networking, dancing to the beats of DJs, and PlayStation gaming. The celebration embraced everyone.
Etienne Saada, Managing Director of Bralirwa Plc, set the tone by raising a toast: "Cheers to 150 years of beautiful moments with Heineken. As we commemorate a century and a half of this premium beer, here’s to the past, present, and future of good times and great beer."
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The event&039;s concept, built around the theme "Destination Good Times," acknowledged that when Heineken hits its 300-year milestone, none of the present attendees would be alive to witness it, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey.
Martine Gatabazi, Marketing Director at Bralirwa Plc, reflected on the beer's origins, stating: "When Gerard Heineken launched this beer in 1873, it wasn't merely about introducing any beer. He aspired to make it an international sensation. Beyond being a beverage, it was crafted for good times, fun, and entertainment for consumers.”
"Here in Rwanda, Bralirwa continues this tradition with all our beer offerings. We're dedicated to providing good times to our consumers because we love you and want you to have fun. This event was our way of expressing gratitude to you,” Gatabazi said.
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The celebration featured a lineup of stellar performers, including DJ Marnaud, DJ Alisha, DJ Pyfo, DJ Selekta Copain, DJ Julzz, Foxx Makare, Michael Makembe, and Symphony band.
Revelers enjoyed a diverse range of music, live performances by Symphony band, dance performances by DNA, saxophone and violin renditions, and rap vocals by Foxx Makare over traditional beats.
The crowd&039;s favorite, DJ Alisha, showcased a mix of old school hip-hop, Afrobeat, and the trendy South African Amapiano genre. Adding to the excitement, she graced the stage with her dance moves throughout her set. The crowd chanted, "Alisha, we want to party" as she concluded her performance. Taking the microphone, Alisha expressed: "Happy to be home, and I'll be back soon."
In the grand finale of the Heineken celebration, DJ Marnaud energized the crowd, exclaiming, "Beer for the great" along with his signature "acacacaa." He curated a lively playlist featuring a variety of Amapiano tracks from different corners of Africa, concluding the night on a high note.
About Heineken
Heineken, a Dutch brewing company, has been a global symbol of premium beer for 150 years. Established in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken, the brand has become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and moments of celebration.
In 2018, Bralirwa became the 9th subsidiary of the Heineken Group, and started producing the beer locally.