AFRICA’S LEADING ARTISANS UNITE AT THE HOME OF MOËT & CHANDON, IN AN EXCHANGE OF CREATIVITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
THE HOME OF MOËT & CHANDON
In honour of Champagne Day 2024, a cross-cultural exchange took place in the heart of the
Champagne region, Épernay. To celebrate the endless creativity in craftsmanship, Moët &
Chandon invited some of Africa’s most prominent creative talents to explore the iconic brand’s
heritage, artistry, and savoir-faire. The seven creatives included Thebe Magugu, Banke Kuku,
Aisha Ayensu, Mahine Sef, Lyra Aoko, Mtani Nyamakababi and Youssra Nichane. Spanning
fashion, design, music and photography, each of these talents represents a commitment to
African craft and creativity.
For this creative collective, the trip was an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of
Moët & Chandon, a brand that balances both luxury and centuries-old craftsmanship. Already
before setting foot onto the estate or sipping on a glass of Champagne, they were struck by the
wonder that is Moët & Chandon. “My first impression of Épernay was one of timeless elegance,”
says Mahine Sef, a Cameroonian photographer, videographer, and music producer, who has
worked with top Afro-music artists. “The Moët & Chandon estate, in particular, felt like a place
where tradition and innovation harmonise beautifully.” Founder of Tanzanian brand Mtani
Bespoke Clothing, Mtani Nyamakababi, echoes this sentiment and says that the Avenue de
Champagne, lined with centuries of winemaking history, immediately struck him. “The cellars,
where millions of bottles age gracefully, were particularly impressive – miles of tunnels holding
the promise of exceptional craftsmanship,” he explains – which he knows firsthand after being
taken to explore the 28 km of these remarkable cellars. Thebe Magugu, award-winning South
African designer, added “It blows my mind that they have managed to preserve a brand since
1743, and for it to still be even more relevant in 2024 – that takes a level of constant
preservation and education.”
The trip also delivered an emotional and cultural exchange, underpinned by the legacy of Moët
& Chandon. For Banke, behind the well-established Nigerian brand Banke Kuku Boutique, the
experience almost felt surreal. “It’s like the world slowed down once I stepped into the estate,”
she said. Aisha Ayensu, founder of Ghanaian fashion house Christie Brown, was similarly in
awe of the Château’s stunning architecture and the sense of history radiating from its walls.
“The atmosphere felt both luxurious and inviting,” she remarked, immediately connecting with
the relationship between tradition and innovation, a theme that defines Moët & Chandon.
Morocco-based Youssra Nichane, founder of Dihyan Jewellery, was deeply inspired by the
Memories of Tomorrow exhibition, where signature pieces crafted by the embroidery artisans of
atelier Baqué Molinié showcased the rich heritage and savoir-faire of Moët & Chandon.
She
highlights that exploring the meticulous work of contemporary artisans at the Maison was a
standout moment for her, describing the collaboration as “a true reflection of where
craftsmanship meets history.” This experience not only deepened her appreciation for the
artistry involved but also reinforced the importance of preserving and celebrating traditional
techniques in modern design.
Moreover, the creatives had the opportunity to learn from, network and inspire one another. As
photographer Lyra Aoko aptly put it. “It was the perfect opportunity to live my best life, validate
my art, and mingle with some of the best craftsmen and -women.”
It will come as no surprise then, that the Moët & Chandon Maison made a profound impact on
these prolific creatives. Through close encounters with the heritage and artisanship proudly on
display, each talent walked away with renewed inspiration for the creative journey and found it
shaped their perspectives on craftsmanship, luxury, and craft in some way. For Lyra, what stood
out most was the seamless collaboration across the entire brand. “Every detail, from grape
selection to the artistry of bottle-making, reflects a shared commitment to excellence,” she says.
For Mtani, it was Moët & Chandon’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality, even
while producing millions of bottles each year.
“Their strategy has been carefully crafted over
centuries to maintain their status as one of the world’s most prestigious Champagne brands,” he
noted. “This has inspired me to be more committed to excellence in my craft and create a
tradition, which will be maintained and refined over the years to ensure longevity.” On top of
collaboration and commitment, Banke reflected on the intentionality behind everything Moët &
Chandon does. “Visiting the estate, especially the beautiful Trianon, the Orangerie, and the
Château de Saran, made me understand the importance of asking ‘why’ during my creative
process,” she said.
