By Ayo Onikoyi

World-renowned single malt Scotch whisky brand The Macallan has officially unveiled award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold as its Brand Ambassador in Nigeria, formalising a partnership rooted in craftsmanship, excellence, legacy and intentional creativity.

The announcement comes on the heels of the successful nationwide unveiling of The Macallan’s Timeless Collection across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, signalling a new phase in the luxury whisky brand’s cultural engagement within Nigeria.

The official unveiling took place during The Macallan Timeless Collection launch held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at The Anthonia by Civic Centre, where guests from the entertainment, business, media and cultural sectors gathered for an immersive evening celebrating the introduction of the brand’s redesigned Double Cask and Sherry Oak Collections.

What appeared to many guests as a night of whisky, music and storytelling also served as the public confirmation of a partnership that had quietly evolved over the past year.

The relationship between The Macallan and Adekunle Gold reportedly began in April 2025 during an intimate Coco Money dinner at Kaly Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos. The collaboration later expanded through The Macallan’s appearance in Adekunle Gold’s Coco Money music video and subsequent launch experience in July, before extending into activities surrounding his Fuji album release celebrations in October.

Over time, both parties said the relationship evolved naturally through a series of curated cultural moments centred on authenticity, artistry and shared values.

Speaking on the partnership, Adekunle Gold described the collaboration as one built on mutual understanding and intentionality.

“This partnership is rooted in shared values, craftsmanship, excellence, legacy, class and the beauty of taking time to create something meaningful. Everything I create, whether through music, culture or storytelling, is built with intention, and that is what makes this relationship with The Macallan feel both natural and deeply authentic,” he said.

He added that both brands understand that timeless work requires patience and commitment.

Also speaking, Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager, Nigeria and West and Central Africa at Edrington, said Adekunle Gold embodies the values The Macallan has represented for more than two centuries.

“Adekunle Gold is intentional, culturally influential, creatively fearless and deeply committed to excellence in his craft. Over the past year, we have watched this relationship evolve organically through meaningful cultural moments, and formalising this partnership feels both natural and strategically aligned with how we continue to build The Macallan in Nigeria,” Adebiyi said.

As Brand Ambassador, Adekunle Gold is expected to play a major role in shaping The Macallan’s cultural storytelling in Nigeria through curated consumer experiences, creative collaborations, hospitality engagements and content-driven initiatives aimed at connecting with a new generation of luxury consumers.

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is globally recognised for its premium single malt whiskies and longstanding reputation for craftsmanship and quality. The brand operates from its Speyside distillery in north-east Scotland, near the historic Easter Elchies House, regarded as the spiritual home of The Macallan estate.