TheCable

BY DIPO AKINKUGBE

Two of Nigeria’s most successful artistes, Banky W and D’banj, have been signed to represent one of the world’s most exclusive lifestyle brands, CIROC Ultra-Premium vodka.

The two superstars were unveiled at a press conference, which held at the Ariya bar of the Intercontinental hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. Banky W and D’banj join an international cast of entertainers including P Diddy in the US, Da L.E.S and Bonang Matheba in South Africa and DJ Malvado from Angola.

Joe Nazzal, head of CIROC Nigeria fondly referred to as Joe “CIROC”, spoke on how the two artistes were selected.

“This did not happen overnight. It took us over six months to plan,” he said.

“We’ve been through so many criteria such as their fan base, their followers, the type of clientele that they each address and their lifestyle, which is most important.

“Banky W is known as the King of the Lagos party and that is exactly what CIROC is about and that’s why we also chose Dbanj as well. Together, they are a perfect combination and they are bringing on to the CIROC platform which is a global brand as well.”

Dbanj was his usual funny self as he amused the crowd with his antics. He further expressed his appreciation for being found worthy as a CIROC ambassador.

“To be chosen amongst other artistes in such a great industry and sharing this wonderful journey and experience with Banky W is like an award,” he said.

“So I am honoured and privileged. Knowing what I stand for being an entertainer and a business man, you can just imagine what is about to happen.”

Banky W looked very dapper in his trademark Mai Atafo-inspired suit and he did a lot of the work, eloquently addressing questions from the media and the crowd.

His remarks: “I work very hard and I play hard. That’s what Ciroc represents, which is people who have worked their way to where they are, appreciate where they are and they are ready to celebrate that. So this is about celebrating that luxury lifestyle that you have worked so hard to attain.

“I am grateful for being here and I thank God and thank my family. I also like to thank CIROC for making Dbanj my partner in this endeavour. He is somebody that has a lot of my respect and he is also a friend of mine. I am excited about the journey.”

The journey will lead to exotic locations around the world, such as Ibiza Island off the coast of Spain and Mauritius. Banky W has already been known to be affiliated with the CIROC brand in 2014 when he was sponsored to a luxury lifestyle trip to Ibiza Island.