Hard Rock Cafe Rocks The City Of Lagos With Grand Opening Party

By Funmi Okeowo

Hard Rock Café International officially opened its doors in Victoria Island, Lagos with its grand opening celebration on Friday, 11thMarch 2016. The event kicked off at 8.30pm featuring a live performance by Banky W alongside superstar DJ Exclusive who thrilled guests as they wrapped up the night with great music.

A press conference highlighting the Grand Opening of Hard Rock Café Lagos was held prior to the free concert featuring local Hard Rock partner Sanjay Mahtani, Hard Rock International executives from the United States and Europe, including Hamish Dodds (President and CEO), Antonio Bautista (Sr. Vice President, Franchise Operations), Anibal Fernandez (Area Vice President, Franchise Development and Operations - EMEA).

In addition to the unforgettable live concert, the grand opening celebration hosted by TV personality, Ozzy Agu featured Hard Rock’s famous guitar smash and a star-studded red ceremony with Banky W, DJ Exclusive,Seyi shay, Sasha P, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Bryan Okwara, Sound Sultan, Shaydee, Vaavaa Voom, Lisa Folawiyo, Elohor Aisien, Nobel Igwe, Titi and Oscar Oyinsan, Destiny Amaka, Rich Tanksley, Marcy Dolapo oni, DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Zeez, international music video director, Director X and many more celebrities including International VIP guests were present to commemorate the much anticipated opening of Hard Rock Café Lagos.

“The grand opening of Hard Rock Cafe Lagos marks our third location in Africa, and we could think of no better way to celebrate than with an exclusive, live concert to commemorate this milestone and great addition to the local music and dining scene. Lagos is such a lively city with a very rich R&B and hip hop music heritage, which aligns perfectly with Hard Rock’s DNA. We congratulate our partners, SJM with whom we have already opened multiple successful cafes in India, for supporting us and welcoming us into the community.” -Anibal Fernandez, Area Vice President for Hard Rock International.

In honour of Hard Rock’s “Love All – Serve All” motto, Hard Rock Café Lagos made a donation of four new electric guitars to the Akin Marinho foundation to encourage the growth of music talents among children in the local community.

A spontaneous performance by IXtreme dance production got everyone elated and geared up for the night.

Click on the link below to view images from the press conference:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4sigj2httxkkaod/AAA47P-h93Xww1bchTjLuHLoa?dl=0

Click on the link below to view images from the grand opening party:

https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/b1c69dc90193ff58894b76000fbc3b5120160314113132/c63145cf5e407ab126b510fd4e1c742820160314113132/76d820

About Hard Rock Café Lagos

Located on the beach at Victoria Island, the two-floor, 650-square-meter cafe includes indoor and outdoor seating for over 260 guests, an inside/outside bar, a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and a swimming pool area where adults and kids can enjoy Hard Rock’s one-of-kind dining experience.

The cafe also features work by local graffiti artists, a stunning stage area showcasing some of Lagos’ local talent and international artists, as well as a DJ booth area that will host weekly live music events. The cafe offers a unique look at the history and future of music, with an entirely new memorabilia collection featuring items from iconic rock stars and legendary and contemporary musicians from around the world, including a signed drumhead from Van Halen, a Les Paul guitar from Aerosmith, pink pants from the Black Eyed Peas, a Madonna jacket, and much more.

Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. In every Hard Rock city, the staff makes it a priority to become a valuable community partner and Hard Rock Cafe Lagos looks forward to continuing this tradition. The Lagos cafe’s Rock Shop will offer music-inspired items, as well as collectible Hard Rock Cafe merchandise in its exclusive retail location. Hard Rock is committed to supporting live music and emerging artists around the globe and throughout 2015, the brand hosted more than 31,000 live music events worldwide.

About Hard Rock International
With venues in 68 countries, including 162 cafes, 23 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai.

HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Reykjavik and Gran Canaria, Spain. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Atlanta, Berlin, Daytona Beach, Dubai, Los Cabos, Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com .