A Journey of Craftsmanship: Kabza De Small and Maglera Doe Boy Experience the Art of Hennessy in France

In a remarkable union of African creativity and French heritage, Maison Hennessy welcomed South African music icons Kabza De Small and Maglera Doe Boy on an immersive journey to Cognac and Paris — a cultural exchange celebrating craftsmanship, legacy, and excellence.

Cognac, France — a town where the Charente River flows past sunlit vineyards — is home to the world’s most prestigious cognac producers. Here, the term eau-de-vie (“water of life”) takes on its full meaning, distilled into tradition, artistry, and time-honoured skill.

Kabza and Maglera, two of Africa’s most influential artists, have long been at the forefront of shaping urban culture across the continent. Their invitation to France marks a milestone not only in their personal journeys but in Hennessy’s continued commitment to spotlighting African artistry. Previous initiatives such as Hennessy Cypher Africa and Hennessy Back to the City exemplify the brand’s dedication to cultural impact across borders.

At the heart of their experience was a stay at the Château de Bagnolet, a storied estate acquired by the Hennessy family in the 1840s. Surrounded by lush gardens and historic architecture, the estate became the setting for a series of moments steeped in elegance — from a curated lunch in the sun-drenched Winter Garden to an intimate dinner culminating in a toast with Hennessy Paradis.

Guided by a Hennessy Ambassador, the duo explored the inner workings of the Maison. At the experimental vineyards, they learned about Hennessy’s agroecological practices and the harvest methods used across one of France’s largest wine-growing regions. Maglera’s curiosity about the scale of production led to insights about how modern harvesting machines work with care not to damage the vines, preserving both tradition and sustainability.

At La Groie Distillery, they witnessed the double distillation process — a meticulous art where wine becomes eaux-de-vie. Here, distillers extract “the heart,” a liquid that forms the essence of Hennessy cognac. The journey continued into the Founder’s Cellar, home to the world’s largest collection of eaux-de-vie, some dating back over 260 years.

An exclusive tasting session allowed the artists to uncover the nuanced layers behind each blend. Kabza reflected, “This was such an eye-opening experience. The precision and patience behind every bottle remind me of my own journey in music.” Maglera added, “Being a Friend of the House for so long, I finally understand the expertise that goes into every drop of Hennessy.”

Anele Tshabalala, Marketing Manager for Hennessy South Africa, remarked: “Hennessy’s legacy is built on craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural impact. Collaborating with visionaries like Kabza and Maglera is a natural alignment. This journey has only deepened their connection to the brand.”

As Hennessy continues to amplify African excellence on the world stage, this journey stands as a symbol of what’s possible when music, culture, and savoir-faire converge. It is a celebration of artistry in all its forms — distilled, like cognac itself, into something timeless.

Source: African Publicity