Where Culture Meets Cognac: Afrofuture x Martell Light Up D.C.

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending an unforgettable evening celebrating the collaboration between AfroFutureand Martell Cognac.

The private dinner, hosted in Washington D.C. at The Continent DC, brought together a dynamic group of top influencers, creators, and cultural leaders for a night filled with incredible food, music, and meaningful conversations.

This event marked the second stop in AfroFuture and Martell’s global partnership, a series of U.S. cultural touchpoints that will continue through the HBCU Homecoming season and into Houston’s 2025 AfroTech Conference. The collaboration highlights the global influence of Afrobeats and the creative energy of the African Diaspora, a celebration of culture, innovation, and connection that transcends borders.

A few highlights of the evening was the announcement of Abdul Abdullah, founder of AfroFuture, being named a Global Cultural Ambassador for Martell, a testament to the shared mission of uplifting and amplifying Black creativity and heritage on a global stage & Martell Brand Ambassador Jasmin Goldstein took guests on a sensory journey through a guided cognac tasting, highlighting the remarkable depth and character of each blend. With every sip, attendees experienced the smooth balance of flavor and aroma that makes Martell a true icon of refinement.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, good vibes, and genuine connections that captured the spirit of AfroFuture’s mission. A huge thank you to Christina Wilds for connecting the dots and Clarence Klugh for curating such a beautiful and intentional experience. It was truly a night to remember, and an inspiring glimpse into the future of culture and collaboration.

Now, to the food, the menu was thoughtfully curated to match the dynamic taste buds of this powerful collaboration. I found myself devouring each dish as if I hadn’t eaten in months. Paired with the refined flavors of Martell and their inspired drinks menu, it created an experience every food lover and blogger would dream of. The evening truly embodied the spirit of partnership, elevating a new class of cultural ambassadors. Figures like Abdul stand as trusted voices shaping the movement in the U.S. through media, music, and cultural storytelling, perfectly reflecting Martell’s evolving global cultural strategy, one that moves beyond mere endorsements to build lasting infrastructure and cultural equity, grounded in purpose, credibility, and collective progress.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LORD MAD @Lord.Made