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PROJECT "IN THE PAINT" INSPIRING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ART & BASKETBALL

Inspired by an unwavering commitment to driving culture forward, the cognac brand Hennessy and the NBA support local communities and talents worldwide by refurbishing abandoned courts everywhere.

WHAT IS THE "IN THE PAINT" PROJECT BY HENNESSY x NBA?

First launched in 2021 in Montreal, Canada, the 'In the Paint' initiative, now present in many
other parts of the world, such as Ghana, South Africa, Barbados, Hong Kong and Nigeria to only
name a few, is a one-of-a-kind offshoot of the 'Hennessy x NBA' collaboration. It aims to bring basketball and art to local communities. As a part of Hennessy's global series of artistic collaborations, the initiative's goal is to give back to society and
promote the true spirit of community.

To celebrate urban cultural values, the world-famous cognac brand collaborated with renowned Nigerian graffiti and GFX artist Osa Seven, to revitalise the Park 23 basketball court located in Festac Town.
Besides being a place where people come together to play basketball, this court is also
where Osa Seven played two decades ago. "I'm excited to be returning with Hennessy to
Festac after almost 20 years, to give a facelift to one of the courts that formed the man I am
today."

The court design can easily be described as a masterpiece thanks to the unique way it holds urban culture and Hennessy's brand identity, where each stroke reflects Osa Seven's artistic prowess. The design itself is highly influenced by Nigeria's diverse cultures, highlighting and celebrating heritage, never-ending creativity, and thirst for innovation.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

The iconic "Bras Armé" symbol, synonymous with Hennessy, can be spotted in the
middle of the court. It is an eye-catching element of the court design and is bound to create
an everlasting impression on whoever sets their eyes on it. The impressive Benin Ivory mask
can be spotted on one part of the court and was also the symbol of the FESTAC '77,
a month-long event held in 1977 that celebrated African culture. “The Benin ivory mask is a
miniature sculpture portrait of Idia, the first Queen mother of the 16th century Benin
empire, taking the form of a traditional African mask.”
Finally, the use of curved patterns and colours depicting heavy rain clouds before dawn
emphasises the resilient attitude consistently displayed by Nigerians. “I hope this
monumental art piece reminds everyone who sees it that we are at the brink of the
emergence of something truly great, and that emergence is built on heritage”.

Watch the full video below and see how the court got transformed:

Hennessy V.S NBA Limited Edition

Fans around the world will be able to toast with the new exclusive Hennessy V.S Limited Edition bottle, specially designed to commemorate the partnership between Hennessy and the NBA.

Hennessy Very Special (V.S) is one of the most popular cognacs in the world. Matured in new oak barrels, Hennessy V.S is bold and fragrant. Its beguiling character is uniquely Hennessy, a timeless choice with an intensity all its own. Hennessy V.S offers toasted and fruit notes, with a rich, clearly defined palate and a welcoming exuberance.

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Hennessy V.S.O.P NBA Limited Edition

Fans around the world will be able to toast with the new exclusive Hennessy V.S.O.P Limited Edition bottle, specially designed to commemorate the partnership between Hennessy and the NBA.

Hennessy V.S.O.P is a balanced cognac, expressing 200 years of Hennessy's know-how. The fruit of nature’s uncertainties, this unique blend has tamed the elements to craft and embody the original concept of cognac. The emotion awakened by the pleasure of tasting it continually reveals new facets of its personality.

The savoir-faire of the Maison Hennessy is fully expressed in this balanced cognac: the selection of eaux-de-vie, aging and assemblage. A cognac of remarkable consistency and vitality, Hennessy V.S.O.P conveys all of the savoir-faire of the Hennessy master blenders who have ensured the continued success of this harmonious assemblage for 200 years.
Hennessy X.O NBA Limited Edition

Fans around the world will be able to toast with the new exclusive Hennessy X.O Limited Edition bottle, specially designed to commemorate the partnership between Hennessy and the NBA.

In 1870, Maurice Hennessy, a 4th-generation member of the Hennessy family, asked the Master Blender Emile Fillioux, a descendant of the Hennessy Master Blender Jean Fillioux, to create a special cognac for his family and friends, using long-aged eaux-de-vie to perfect the blend. They called it “X.O” for “Extra Old”, the original, and a legend was born. Hennessy X.O attained international renown and contributed to the development of the category XO which is a gauge of uncompromising quality. Thanks to 150 years of meticulous know-how, Hennessy X.O remains as inspiring today as it was the day Hennessy first shared it with his inner circle. The powerful and balanced structure of Hennessy X.O carries the promise of an extremely long finish, with each drop an invitation to embark on a journey of the senses through seven tasting notes.