Hennessy collaborates with Nico Wayo to refurbish GAEC basketball court

Hennessy has collaborated with a renowned Ghanaian local artist, Nicholas Tettey Wayo (also known as NICO WAYO), to refurbish the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission basketball court.

The collaboration demonstrates Hennessy's long-standing commitment towards supporting talented artists who embody the brand’s ethos, continuing a decade of meaningful artistic collaborations.

In a release issued by the company last Thursday, Nico Wayo said, “Everything about life is art and nothing is done without art. A nation can never be developed without art; so as an artist, I work hard to develop paintings that speak both to me and to others about the beauty that exists.”

Describing the art, the release said blending urban culture and cognac in the court design, the different shapes connecting to one another in different colours signified diverse people and cultures coming together as a team to play on one court in peace, love and unity - even though it was competitive.

It said each of the “Adinkra” symbols had its unique representation, but the four together symbolised "excellence”, such that every basketball and sports team should strive for excellence.

“In the court design, Nico Wayo makes use of the Hennessy “Bras Armé” icon, but playfully redesigns it to integrate the National Basketball Association (NBA) partnership with basketball in hand. The robust colours showcased throughout the design represent the energy of both the game and more importantly Africa, and the creative beat of the African people,” it added.

The Regional Marketing Director for Hennessy in Africa and the Middle East, David White, said, “From the very beginning of our global partnership with the NBA in 2021, we decided on a programme dedicated to communities in order to share the joy and values of basketball with as many people as possible.

“The idea of ‘In the Paint’ was born, renovating basketball courts and entrusting this renovation to local artists. We are geared up for the fifth instalment here in Accra, Ghana. There is tremendous support for basketball in the country and we are looking forward to celebrating the spirit of the game together.”