On November 3, 2024, Port Harcourt’s Elekahia E-Bluk basketball court didn’t just host a game—it hosted a movement.
With the city’s skyline watching, Hennessy’s “In the Paint” initiative landed in the South for the very first time, transforming the court into a radiant fusion of visual art, live culture, and community celebration.
This wasn’t just another brand activation—it was a renaissance on asphalt, where basketballs bounced to the rhythm of Afrobeat, murals told industrial stories, and street style met gallery-grade artistry.
Kaylion’s Brush Strokes Echo the South’s Legacy
Leading the transformation was Kingsley “Kaylion” Archibong, a Port Harcourt native whose mural told a story much bigger than design. His bold strokes intertwined PH’s industrial grit with Hennessy’s Bras Armé crest, painting the court in the language of power, pride, and people.
From oil rigs to abstract flames, the imagery paid homage to the South’s resilience—turning the court into a living monument of identity and inspiration.
“This is more than a mural—it’s a message,” Kaylion shared. “It tells the world that Port Harcourt has a voice, and it’s loud.”
Slam Dunks and Soundwaves: The Culture Collab We Didn’t Know We Needed
As the sun dipped, the court came alive with basketball exhibitions, DJ sets, and local celebrities. Young talents took to the court, not just to compete, but to be seen and celebrated—with the crowd roaring in sync with every dunk and freestyle.
The event drew artists, influencers, and youth leaders, all vibing in a shared celebration of what happens when urban sport meets artistic elevation.
A Legacy Project—More Than Paint on Pavement
This was the third edition of Hennessy’s global “In the Paint” series—its first outside Lagos and a bold nod to Port Harcourt’s creative pulse. From Montreal to FESTAC and now PH, the initiative proves that public courts can be public galleries, amplifying local voices through global platforms.
According to Hennessy’s General Manager, Leye Adeniji: “We’re not just painting courts—we’re spotlighting culture, talent, and legacy in communities that deserve to be seen.”
Hennessy as a Cultural Conduit
In Nigeria, Hennessy isn’t just a premium cognac—it’s become a symbol of ambition, rhythm, and urban storytelling. Through music collabs, street culture, and now court takeovers, the brand is entrenched in Nigeria’s creative bloodstream.
With “In the Paint,” it’s not selling lifestyle—it’s co-creating it with cities like Port Harcourt that have always had something to say.
Final Take: PH Didn’t Just Roar—It Echoed
What began as a branded court revamp ended as a cultural moment for the South. In a single evening, Port Harcourt reminded the world that its people, art, and energy are not secondary—they’re central.
And as the beat faded and the court lights dimmed, one truth remained:
When the South speaks through art and sport, the world listens.
