From Anthony Nwachukwu
International Breweries Plc, brewers of the popular Hero Lager Beer, at the weekend hosted its ‘Largest Gathering of Brothers’ concert that it tagged ‘Nwanne Connect’ at the Onitsha Stadium in Anambra State, where top Nigerian artists performed their hit songsto the admiration of the huge crowds.
The ongoing campaign is in recognition and celebration of Igbo people and culture, brotherhood and work ethic.
The artists that performed included the P-Square brothers, IllBliss, Zoro, HarrySong, SlowDogg, Mr Raw, Nkem Owoh, White Money and others. Hero Lager, popularly called “O’Mpa”, is a cultural brand mostly preferred by the Igbo of South Eastern Nigeria and those who appreciate quality beer, and the brand takes pride in celebrating the Igbo culture, promoting brotherhood, kinship and hard work.
According to the brand’s ambassador, RudeBoy, “this is the first time we are having anything like Nwanne Connect. We thank our south east consumers for sticking with Hero Lager because it is our own and we should be proud of it.
“Remember ‘gba boi and what Hero Lager has done to empower these boys in business who are doing great today.” This was also echoed by rapper, Zoro, Nkem Owoh, White Money, and Mr Raw, all commending the brand.
The Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc, Tolulope Adedeji, stated at the forum that “Igbo people anywhere in the world always call one another nwanne, which means ‘you are my brother and can count on me as one.
“We are here to celebrate 10 years of Hero Lager being a core part of the lives of people in the South East of Nigeria. At this point, we need unity in the country and Igbo land.
“So, when we say nwanne, let’s connect, it’s for a good cause of being heroes in what we do and being united as brothers. We thank our consumers for the continuous support.”
‘Nwanne Connect’ is riding on the heels of a successful Ahagiefula – “May Your Name Never Be Forgotten” campaign organized last year by the same brand.
Also speaking on the Nwanne Connect campaign, Brand Manager, Dubem Orji, said, “What we do is evaluate consumer sentiments, understand what the consumer needs and wants from the brand.
“What the consumer tells us they want we listen and comply with because Hero Lager is a people’s brand. Nwanne Connect is just answering the call of what the consumer desires and demands from the Hero Lager brand.
“We try to be consumer-centric as possible, which means the event will continue for as long as the consumer says it should.”
Meanwhile, the Onitsha Stadium teemed with a large crowd of music and fun-seekers who were treated to earth-quaking music performances by P-Square, IllBliss, Zoro, Mr. Raw, HarrySong, SlowDogg, White Money, and veteran actor, Nkem Owoh, among other entertainment industry giants.
