On the evening of December 26th, history unfolded at the National Theatre. Adekunle Gold took the stage for the venue’s first concert since its major renovation and renaming as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, backed by a 55-piece orchestra and his band, the 79th Element. It was a performance that pushed Afrobeats into new artistic territory, demonstrating what happens when an artist chooses orchestral grandeur over commercial predictability. When the final notes faded and the audience rose in applause, the night was far from over. The Macallan, the world-renowned Scottish single malt whisky, hosted the official after-party on the National Theatre’s rooftop terrace, transforming a post-event celebration into a carefully curated experience that honored the evening’s significance.
L-R: Rapper Folarin “FalzTheBahdGuy” Falana; Media Personality Oladotun “Do2dtun” Kayode; and Adekunle Gold at The Macallan after-party
A Setting Worthy of the Moment
The rooftop terrace offered sweeping views of Lagos Marina’s glittering skyline, a visual reminder of the city’s place as West Africa’s cultural and economic powerhouse. The black-tie dress code brought sophistication that matched the venue’s architectural gravitas. Guests arrived already buzzing from the concert, ready to process what they’d witnessed with the creative community that had shared the experience. The atmosphere was both elegant and warm. The Macallan had curated an evening where conversations could flow as freely as the whisky. DJs Uche Briggs and Soul Yin commanded the decks with precision, moving seamlessly between high-energy Afrobeats that kept people dancing and soulful moments that let the room breathe. Hypemen Wale Ozolua and Big Bimi elevated the celebratory mood without overwhelming the space, understanding that this was Adekunle Gold’s night to share with his inner circle.
Mastery Recognizing Mastery
The evening’s centerpiece came when Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager for West and Central Africa at Edrington, and Adekunle Gold showcased The Macallan 25 Years Old Sherry Oak. Speaking about the partnership, Adebiyi noted: “We recognize in Adekunle Gold the same values that define The Macallan: dedication to craft, commitment to excellence, and the patience to create something truly exceptional. This concert represents years of artistic evolution, and we’re honored to celebrate this milestone with him.” The symbolism was deliberate. The Macallan 25 Years Old represents a quarter-century of craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. Presenting it to an artist who has spent over a decade refining Afrobeats and building a global audience felt appropriate. This was excellence acknowledging excellence across disciplines. Conversations unfolded about the concert’s standout moments: the orchestra’s interpretation of familiar songs, Adekunle Gold’s stage presence, and the significance of seeing Afrobeats performed with such ambition in a venue designed for cultural legacy.
Adekunle Gold and Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager for West and Central Africa, Edrington, with The Macallan 25 Years Old Sherry Oak.
What the Night Represented
As guests began to depart around 2 a.m., the prevailing mood was one of satisfaction mixed with anticipation. They’d witnessed Adekunle Gold make history inside the National Theatre, then celebrated that achievement in style on the rooftop above. The evening demonstrated what happens when global brands approach African culture with genuine respect and cultural intelligence. The Macallan created the perfect conditions for an evening centered on the artist and the community gathered around him. This wasn’t The Macallan’s first collaboration with Adekunle Gold. Earlier in the year, the brand supported the launch of his ‘Coco Money’ music video at an intimate gathering that brought together tastemakers and creatives. But this after-party felt different in scale and significance. It honored a landmark artistic statement that pushed Afrobeats into new territory. It was a night where whisky craftsmanship met musical excellence. The rooftop celebration that followed showed what brand partnership can look like when it’s rooted in shared values. The result was an evening that honored craft, elevated culture, and created a moment that Nigeria’s creative community will remember long after the last glass was raised.
Idorenyin Emmanson, Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio Nigeria, at The Macallan Lounge during Adekunle Gold’s Fuji Concert
