If you didn’t have a Ballantine’s cup in your hand at some point this December, we honestly have to ask if you were even in Nigeria. The brand took its “Stay True” philosophy and turned it into a month-long marathon of vibes that covered everything from beach parties to high-energy festival grounds across the country. We decided to take a look back at the four flagship activations that made up the “December with Ballantine’s” calendar to see which ones truly defined our festive season and helped us live our best lives.
The journey started strong at Sol Beach with Pulse Fiesta, where Ballantine’s set the tone for a standout December by leaning into the high-energy beach culture Lagos is famous for. Not long after, we were at Landmark for DJames Live, where the music focus shifted toward the specific frequencies that drive the city’s nightlife and Gen Z culture. These early activations were crucial for building the momentum that Ballantine’s maintained throughout the month, positioning itself right at the center of every “must-attend” conversation on social media.
Mid-month, the vibe shifted again as we headed to Groove Park for two days of DANCE EKO, a massive celebration of genre-fluid music that really showed off the brand’s commitment to electronic and Afro House sounds. While we’re all keeping our outfits ready for the rescheduled Activyard at J Randle, which promises to be the ultimate intersection of lifestyle and community when it finally drops, the party didn’t stop. For those who wanted a change of scenery, the brand even took the party to Abuja for Seize the Day, proving that the “Stay True” energy isn’t just limited to the Lagos mainland or islands.
Looking back at the entire campaign, it’s clear that Ballantine’s didn’t just want to be another name on a flyer; they wanted to be the defining brand that powers how young Nigerians experience music. From the 6,000+ people who attended the events and the thousands more following the recaps on social media, the narrative was consistent: every weekend and every vibe featured Ballantine’s.
