Followers around the world tuned in for a unique livestream as Maison Hennessy hosted “A World Odyssey”, a unique global art spectacle on the Charente River in Cognac, France.                       

The event was live to Nairobi as Hennessy hosted top-tier CEOs from East Africa to help the brand celebrate 150 years of creating and mastering the perfect blend of the classic Hennessy XO.   

The superb daytime fireworks display was executed by popular contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang and was spectacularly launched from 150 oak barrels anchored atop the Charente River. 

The dramatic multi-coloured display of fireworks was done in three acts to capture pain pain as an inevitable part of life, with the fireworks paying tribute to optimism and triumph of resilience. 

“World Odyssey” carried a dual message from the illustrious cognac maker and the artist to console those grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic and that of confidence in the future. 

“Staging the event on the Charente as a metaphor for Hennessy’s history seems appropriate —the river was the channel through which its cognac travelled to the rest of the world,” said Hennessy chairman and CEO Laurent Boillot. 

“2020 will remain in all our memories for its uncertainty and difficulty. But for the Maison Hennessy, this is also the 150th anniversary year for an iconic cognac, Hennessy XO.” 

The “A World Odyssey” daytime fireworks display was executed by the amazing Cai Guo-Qiang and was staged using non-toxic, biodegradable and CE-certified pyrotechnic products for safety. 

“This exceptional performance is intended as a message of hope and we feel that today it is practically our duty to be optimistic. Cai Guo-Qiang’s work has impalpable poetry, as does Hennessy XO,” added Boillot.