Whoever said art was ‘boring’ obviously didn’t attend this event!
Bonhams decided to shake up the art world by combining forces with Standard Chartered Private Bank, the Dangote Foundation, our woman crush Cuppy and her little sister JT, in a showcase of African art, music and fashion.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was in attendance. Unlike notable celebs of lesser worth, he had no bodyguards or security to stop the over eager bankers and businessmen in attendance who wanted a quick ‘selfie’ with the mogul (who graciously obliged fans).
Champagne flowed all evening – much to our delight! – as Africa’s art appreciators mixed with footballers, sports stars, fashonistas, models, actors and reality stars. Cuppy then turned the whole gallery up a notch at 8pm with some major tunes that may have got us dancing but had some of the older generation muttering it had gotten a little ‘loud’ in there. But that didn’t damper anyone’s spirits!
I had a quick word with the director of African art at Bonhams, Giles Peppiatt, on why he decided to host an event like this, a first of its kind for any British art institution, and he smiled… He explained that the future of art is in the hands of the younger generation so why not make an event for them and by them. Plus, he added mischievously, ‘We all know how much fun Nigerians like to have’.
I believe he was trying to get us drunk so that we would make an impulsive buy!
Regardless of his intentions, it was truly a memorable evening. Our hangovers the next morning were worth it.
Check out the party.
