Johannesburg recently played host to the Hennessy MyWay Africa Regional Finals, bringing together some of the continent’s most exciting bartending talent for a high-stakes battle of creativity, flavour and innovation.
Representing South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania, finalists Roxanne Read, Happiness Cletus, Amoafi Boateng, Brian Ohadha and Nengai Godwin Mollel went head-to-head for a place among the top three and, ultimately, a ticket to the Global Finals.
As part of the Hennessy MyWay programme, the competition continues to create a platform designed to scout, educate and empower the next generation of bartending talent. It also reinforces Hennessy’s long-standing commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, while creating opportunities for Africa’s mixology community to step onto a bigger stage.
The regional finals took place at Nook, a hidden gem located within Johannesburg’s high-end restaurant, SOLO. Beyond the competition, the finalists took part in mentoring sessions before facing a panel of industry experts, including South African mixology specialist Aimee May Donofrio, 2025 Hennessy MyWay Global Winner Sandrina Burkhardt, aka Trina on the Rocks, and respected industry professional Mmiso ‘Mmisology’ Luphondo.
For Mmiso, the importance of Hennessy MyWay goes beyond what is served in the glass.
“The Hennessy MyWay platform is important for mixologists because it highlights the people behind the drinks. Often, you’re just handed a drink by a waiter or a barman, with no story behind it. This platform is a vessel created by Hennessy to spotlight this talented group of people.”
The finalists were challenged to recreate their signature Hennessy Very Special-based cocktails, while also presenting an original VSOP-based creation. Sustainability was another key part of the brief, challenging each bartender to think beyond flavour and presentation.
“As a judge, I first look for flavour when it comes to cocktails, but there’s also a charisma that comes from somebody who’s proud of what they’ve created,” said Donofrio. “I was able to see that in so many of the drinks and experience flavours that, honestly, I was lucky enough to try for the first time.”
Sandrina Burkhardt echoed the value of the platform, highlighting the opportunities and education that come with being part of the Hennessy MyWay journey.
“Hennessy MyWay is an incredible opportunity for every bartender. The opportunities given to you, once you are in the Global Finals and even before through your local markets, are endless. Hennessy really stands for education when it comes to its bartenders.”
After an evening of intense competition and masterful mixology, the judges announced the Top 3 Hennessy MyWay Africa Regional Champions:
- Happiness Cletus – Nigeria
- Brian Ohadha – Kenya
- Roxanne Read – South Africa
The three champions have now earned their place at the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals, set to take place in Paris and Cognac in October 2026, where they will represent Africa on the world stage.
With the opportunity to compete for the ultimate title, a custom Champion Trophy, a magnum of rare Hennessy Cognac and an exclusive trip to experience the home of Hennessy in France, the stakes are officially higher. Additional honours, including Most Sustainable Champion and Best Ritual, will also offer winners their own exclusive trip to France.
The stage is set. Africa has its finalists. Now, Happiness Cletus, Brian Ohadha and Roxanne Read are ready to take their talent, stories and cocktails to the world. Follow the journey using #HennessyMyWay.