bring an exhilarating close to Pride Month, the world’s most iconic Scotch Whisky brand, Johnnie Walker, hosted their annual Pride event on Thursday, 03 November. The event was hosted in the heart of Fourways, Johannesburg to celebrate it’s boundry pushing partnership the brand has ventured into with VNJ Ball over the past two years. This iconic partnership has fostered great strides in the recognition and celebration of queer culture and and identities in the eventing space.
Through identifying and championing trailblazers and catalysts of change in the queer and LGBTQIA+ community, the number one whisky brand aims to promote a boldly and proudly queer culture in South Africa. The VNJ Ball x Johnnie Walker Pride event saw attendees enjoy the flavourful serves of the Johnnie Walker cocktail range, while exploring the Langhams grounds which displayed a visual exhibition on the evolution of Drag culture in South Africa and the the rest of the world.
This culture shifting event was attended by some of Joburg’s well-known personalities reality TV star Yaya Mavundla, Internatinally acclaimed designer Thebe Magugu and DJ sensation DJ Olwee were some of the names in attendance on the day. These guests amoung many other Joburg socialites were entertained to the wonderful sounds of musical artist Muneyi at sunset and an incredible piece from pianist Keenan Meyer to close off the intimate evening
“By putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything the Johnnie Walker brand does, we are moving one step closer to breaking any and all existing stereotypes, this partnership is another bold step in the right direction for the brand,” says Sandisilwe Gamede, Johnnie Walker SA Brand Manager.
Sandiselwe concludes that, “This event for us represents aligning our brand story firmly within view of queer representation but even further the collective progress we are making as a country. For us at Johnnie Walker, taking bold steps and making iconic strides is engrained in our DNA, however, doing it alone is never enough. Seeing so many unapologetic tastemakers and pioneers come together to help support this initiative and celebrate pride month with us speaks volumes and represents the kind of change as well as inclusivity we wish to see take place across our diverse cultures in South Africa.”
To follow the brand conversation and all things Johnnie Walker this festive season, please visit the brand websitehttps://www.johnniewalker.com/en-za/ as well as our social media pages @johnniewalkersa or use the hashtags #KeepWalkingSA and/or #WalkerSummer.
