In a world where legacy and innovation converge, two of Africa’s most influential musical visionaries, Kabza De Small and Maglera Doe Boy, embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience curated by the world’s leading cognac, Hennessy.
From the serene vineyards of Cognac to the bustling heart of Paris, their journey celebrated the everlasting impact of African excellence on the global stage.
Their story began in Cognac, France — the birthplace of the world’s most revered cognac and the home of Hennessy’s centuries-old legacy. As Kabza and Maglera stepped into the Château de Bagnolet. Built on the banks of the Charente River in 1810, the Château de Bagnolet is the Hennessy family’s historic seat, purchased in 1841 by Maison Hennessy.
It embodies a world of refinement and savoir-faire. Nestled along the Charente River and surrounded by over seven acres of pristine gardens, the historic residence still serves as living proof of French art de vivre.
From a curated lunch in the Winter Garden, where sunlight danced on mosaic floors, to an intimate dinner steeped in tradition, every moment at the Château deepened their appreciation for the rituals and refinements that define French hospitality. Conversations lingered over glasses of Hennessy Paradis — each sip a tribute to time, craftsmanship, and culture.
Guided by a Hennessy Ambassador, the duo delved into the heart of the Maison’s expertise. They visited the vineyards, where Ugni Blanc grapes are cultivated with deep respect for the land.
At La Groie Distillery, they explored the origins of Hennessy’s craftsmanship, where wine is transformed into eaux-de-vie through the centuries-old practice of double distillation. Though the process occurs just once a year, the space offered a glimpse into the alchemy behind it. Descending into the Maison’s storied cellars, they encountered one of the world’s largest collections of eaux-de-vie — an archive quietly maturing for over two and a half centuries.
“The precision and patience behind every bottle reminds me of my own journey in music,” Kabza reflected. Maglera added, “Being a Friend of the Maison for so long, I finally understand the expertise that goes into every drop of Hennessy.”
Yet, the journey didn’t end in Cognac. It expanded, spilling into the streets of Paris, where history, style, and modernity intertwine. For Kabza and Maglera, the city offered more than picturesque boulevards and monuments — it offered resonance.
“Paris felt instantly familiar,” Kabza shared. “It blended the creative pulse of Johannesburg’s nightlife with Cape Town’s layered beauty — there was a connection.”
That connection became even more poignant during Paris Fashion Week. At the global showcase, South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo took the spotlight, reimagining traditional craftsmanship through a contemporary lens with his MaXhosa Africa. Maglera, emblematic of this creative surge, opened the MaXhosa show, providing a captivating performance that fused music and fashion, identity and artistry.
“Performing at Paris Fashion Week for a South African designer was a pinnacle moment,” Maglera said. “It wasn’t just about presence — it was about claiming space. We were there to show the world that African excellence isn’t emerging; it’s arrived.”
During their time in Paris, the Maison’s influence remained close throughout their time in Paris — a reminder that craftsmanship, heritage, and intentionality aren’t bound to geography. Just as they had experienced the process behind Hennessy’s legacy in Cognac, they now found themselves surrounded by kindred expressions of culture, style, and identity on one of the world’s most iconic stages.
But long before the Parisian lights, the quiet of the French countryside laid the foundation. “Just thinking about this trip… It’s excellence,” Maglera reflected. “The silence reminded me of my creative process — it felt like a slow day back in the village, where inspiration brews quietly.”
Kabza echoed the sentiment: “I’ve experienced a lot, but this gave me a chance to think. When I step away from music for a while, I return to the studio more creative.”
Together, they explored the craft behind Hennessy’s legacy — from barrel-making to bottling, and the distillation process itself. “It’s like creating a song,” Kabza noted. “Doing this is a process — and it’s not simple.”
Throughout their time in both cities, Maison Hennessy’s role remained clear: to amplify the voices that shape culture. By bringing together tradition and transformation, the brand provided a platform for Kabza and Maglera to explore, reflect, and create on a canvas that spanned continents.
Back on South African soil, the echoes of the experience remain. For Kabza and Maglera, the trip was not only about witnessing a legacy in action but also embodying it. Through shared experiences, layered storytelling, and unshakeable pride in their heritage, they contributed to a growing narrative where African excellence is honoured and elevated.
As Maison Hennessy continues to celebrate global talent and cultural exchange, this chapter serves as a reminder that when worlds meet, something timeless is born.
