From Tain to the world: Glenmorangie taps Africa’s top creative voices, rewrites whisky story

In a groundbreaking fusion of Highland heritage and vibrant African creativity, Glenmorangie has unveiled its most ambitious pan-African initiative to date. The iconic Scottish distillery is bringing together three of the continent’s most influential cultural voices—Kenyan star actress Kate Kamau, Nigerian creative executive and artist Darey Art Alade, and renowned South African author and commentator Khaya Dlanga—for an immersive journey into the heart of single malt whisky making.

Filmed across the dramatic sweeping landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and at the historic distillery in Tain, the campaign documents an authentic cultural exchange. The trio explored the traditions, towering stills, and dedicated craftspeople that have defined the brand for over 180 years, discovering that the patient discipline of crafting world-class whisky deeply mirrors their own artistic journeys.

For the stars involved, the journey proved to be a powerful cross-cultural moment. Kamau noted how deeply the experience resonated with her own artistic roots, remarking, “What stayed with me most was how storytelling lives beyond words. You feel it in the people, the landscapes and the quiet pride behind every part of the distillery. It reminded me that, wherever we come from, the stories we choose to preserve become part of who we are. I loved bringing my own perspective to that experience and sharing it through an African lens.”

That sentiment of shared passion and patience was echoed by Art Alade, who drew direct parallels between the Highland distillery and his work in the music and entertainment industry. “Going to Scotland felt like going to the source—meeting the people behind the craft and understanding the discipline, patience and intention that shape the finished experience,” he shared. “As an artist and creative executive, that philosophy felt very familiar. Whether you are making music, directing a production, building a platform or crafting whisky, character is shaped over time. The most meaningful work cannot be rushed.”

Dlanga was equally captivated by the human element behind the heritage, highlighting how authentic connection shaped his trip. “I’ve always been curious about people and the stories they carry, so I found名 myself just as drawn to the conversations as the whisky,” Dlanga explained. “Behind every tradition were people who cared deeply about preserving something meaningful. It was a reminder that real character is built over time.”

The collaboration comes at a time when African creators are at the absolute forefront of shaping global conversations across film, music, fashion, and luxury. By positioning African storytellers at the centre of their narrative, the Highland brand is forging a fresh, modern connection with audiences across the continent.

Caspar MacRae, President and CEO of The Glenmorangie Company, praised the dynamic energy the trio brought to Tain, stating, “When we welcomed Kate, Darey and Khaya to Tain, they brought a real sense of humour and curiosity into their conversations with our Distillery team – who thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share some of the stories behind our single malts, and how they have been shaped by our Highland provenance. The conversations that emerged throughout the journey were genuinely inspiring. It’s a delight to now see each storyteller’s unique take on their visit to Scotland, and to celebrate their creativity and character through this campaign, which I’m sure will resonate with whisky lovers across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and beyond.”

Echoing that excitement, Derek Ruediger, Glenmorangie International Marketing and Commercial Director, emphasized the importance of elevating these voices, noting, “Africa’s creatives are defining the next era of storytelling. This campaign showcases the result of combining 180 years of craft with that creative energy. By inviting African voices to be at centre stage, we hope to bring greater relevance and interesting new perspectives on our brand stories to local audiences.”

Rollout for the landmark campaign runs from July through December 2026 across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, featuring episodic digital films, editorial features, and exclusive talent-hosted cultural dinners in Nairobi, Lagos, and Johannesburg. As African artistic influence continues its explosive global trajectory, this Highland journey proves that when legendary craftsmanship meets modern storytelling, the results are truly intoxicating.