Martell Unveils 'The Swift Ascendant': Iconic Cognac House Collaborates with Nigerian Scrap Artist Dotun Popoola

Martell, the iconic cognac house of Pernod Ricard, has unveiled "The Swift Ascendant," a striking artistic installation created in collaboration with acclaimed Nigerian metal sculptor Dotun Popoola. 

The masterpiece, created entirely from discarded materials, brings to life the legendary emblem of Maison Martell the Swift as a highlight of the brand’s vibrant campaign, *Martell on the Move, which celebrates audacity in land and motion.

Renowned for pioneering "scrap art" in Africa and transforming waste into breathtaking creations through his Scrap Art Museum, Dotun Popoola meticulously pieced together hundreds of scrap metal components to recreate the historic Swift emblem.

The Swift, traditionally engraved on every Martell bottle, symbolizes the brand’s spirit of daring and freedom, soaring without frontiers. Popoola's work redefines waste by giving new life, form, and purpose to forgotten metal remnants.

The installation was unveiled on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Wings Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking at the unveiling, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, described The Swift Ascendant as a true testament to Martell’s DNA.

 “Martell has always stood for pushing boundaries for choosing boldness over routine,” Ehindero said. “This installation captures that spirit beautifully transforming what was once discarded into a masterpiece, telling a powerful story about vision, creativity, and responsible transformation.”

Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, emphasized the installation’s role as a "conversation starter," reflecting the audacity, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking mindset that defines Martell.

The initiative directly aligns with Pernod Ricard’s Sustainability and Responsibility Roadmap under the circular making pillar, serving as a symbolic reminder that creativity, luxury, and sustainability can coexist in powerful harmony.

Martell and Pernod Ricard Nigeria plan for the installation to travel across Lagos, sparking inspiration and deeper engagement with consumers.

About Pernod Ricard Nigeria

Pernod Ricard Nigeria is an affiliate of Pernod Ricard, world leader in the spirits and champagne industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality.