There are events, after which there are nights like this, when Lagos doesn’t simply flip up, it transforms. On Sunday, October 19, Hennessy gathered a fastidiously curated crowd at Membership Zaza, Lagos, for the revealing of the Hennessy XO La Carafe, and what unfolded felt extra like a luxurious theatre expertise than a typical club night.
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The Mild? The Decor? Anyway, Welcome to Zaza Safari
I arrived at 10:45 p.m., and the very first thing that caught my eye wasn’t the bottle; it was the sunshine. Zaza Lagos glowed underneath vibrant lighting that bounced off animal-shaped figures: butterflies, zebras, and timber. The decor leaned tropical and unique: plant murals, fruit motifs, and simply the best stability between playfulness and magnificence.
The employees, all wearing leopard-print-inspired fits and waistcoats. The membership itself was spacious and layered: tables fanned out round a central stage guarded by 4 muscular bouncers, a gallery up high that screamed VIP, and a quieter interior room that would move for a VVIP zone. The sound was good: bassy sufficient to attract you in, not too loud to chase dialog away.
The friends have been already deep in chatter and laughter, bottles making rounds throughout tables, some friends even getting shoulder massages from employees. I caught myself jealous.
Costume code? Strict. I realized on the gate that shorts for males and flats for ladies have been a no-go. I wore a layered blue-and-white striped shirt over a white tee, blue corduroy shorts, and Nike SBs. So sure, I received the memo late.
The Genie That Got here in a Bottle
The Hennessy XO La Carafe bottle appeared underneath a tender amber highlight, passing throughout tables like a sacred object in an entourage.
The design? curved, layered, and sculptural, the form of bottle that catches and refracts mild like a gemstone. Each motion of it drew telephones into the air. Even with out grand speeches, the message was clear: that is craftsmanship distilled into glass.
After seven rounds throughout the room, it is clear this bottle was the occasion’s heartbeat.
The Vitality was on a Roll
The primary efficiency hit a couple of minutes after 11 PM: a singer backed by feminine dancers in tender, flowing outfits with sensual motion. Then got here a quintet of male dancers who carried out to Beyoncé’s Love on High, adopted by a crew of six feminine dancers that kicked the temper up a notch.
Then, the pole dancer took the stage to the group’s roar of approval. That was adopted by a duo of roller-skate dancers who glided throughout the ground with harmful grace, earlier than a performer channelled Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s power by way of a fusion of reside percussion and electrical dance. That one had everybody, together with friends, becoming a member of in.
After which got here Falz.
When Bop Daddy walked on stage, the complete temper shifted. Telephones rose, conversations ended, and the dance ground changed into a choir. He carried out with the allure of a person who is aware of he’s each visitor and spotlight, delivering crowd favourites that had everybody, together with me, singing alongside. His set was the night time’s climax, equal components nostalgia and electrical.
After Falz’s set, Amapiano took over, and no person was sitting anymore.
Poco Lee! Shank Comics! Does It Get Extra Energetic?
This wasn’t a random visitor record; it was curated. I noticed Falz, Shank Comics, Tobi Bakre, Vitality Odinaka himself, Poco Lee, and Asherkine, amongst others. Their outfits have been high-end streetwear: luxe textures, clear cuts, and delicate assertion items.
You could possibly see the influencer intuition within the air; telephones raised, flashes synchronised, bottles in body. Nevertheless it wasn’t performative; everybody seemed like they have been really having enjoyable. Laughter spilled throughout tables. There have been spontaneous dance-offs.
This night time confirmed that Lagos can do luxurious with out stiffness.
If Exclusivity have been a Place
From the desk coverage to the personalised bottle service and shoulder massages, Zaza was designed for the consolation and management of solely a choose few!
Even and not using a single Hennessy emblem in sight — aside from the glowing Hennessy ice bowls — the model’s identification was all over the place. It was within the calmness of the group, the precision of service, and the quiet assurance that when you have been right here, you belonged.
Private Reflection: A Completely different Form of Lagos Night time
By 2 a.m., I left Zaza Lagos feeling impressed, relaxed, and a bit of in awe. Whereas Lagos nightlife typically leans on quantity and extra, this was measured indulgence.
Once I seemed round one final time, I realised why the night time labored. The Hennessy XO La Carafe unveiling at Zaza was a reminder that true luxurious isn’t about extra; it’s about management, element, and environment. Hennessy didn’t simply host a launch; they orchestrated an expertise.
It felt like a fusion of festival, concert, and fine-dining expertise.
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Stepping out, the music nonetheless alive behind me, I realised one thing: Hennessy didn’t simply launch a bottle; they bottled luxurious the way in which Lagosians really find it irresistible.
