Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège has celebrated pioneers, game-changers, and movers and shakers for over 200 years, and this year, in association with GQ, the brand celebrated Connie Chiume’s contribution to shaping the global entertainment industry, awarding her with the 2022 Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA).
Chiume boasts an illustrious acting career spanning 45 years and has starred in local television classics, theatrical productions, the acclaimed musical Black is King, and the international blockbuster, Black Panther – making her a renowned South African household name. The multiple-award-winning actress is involved with various community projects, including the Centre of Africa and the Social Capital Development, as well as serving as a deputy president of Performing Arts Workers Equity (PAWE).
“By awarding Connie Chiume with this prestigious accolade, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilègerecognises what an inspiration this veteran entertainment icon has been to the country and the broader global entertainment sector. We appreciate how she has used her rise to stardom to pave the way for the future generation of entertainers to take their place on the world stage,” says Khomotso Ledwaba, Marketing Manager of Hennessy South Africa.
“We are incredibly proud of everything Connie has achieved over her fruitful career and hope she will be a reminder to other aspiring creatives in the country to never give up on their dreams,” says Ledwaba. “Chiume represents what Hennessy stands for. But, most importantly, she embodies the brand’s “Never Stop, Never Settle” ethos.”
The Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates and honours courageous South Africans who push the boundaries of their own success, stand for their convictions, and epitomise excellence. As the leading award of the evening, Connie Chiume has now joined a growing list of Hennessy Lifetime Achievement award winners who have graced the GQ MOTY stage over the last four years. These include legendary actor, director, playwright John Kani; former South African footballer, and businessman Kaizer Motaung; and most recently music maestro and jazz icon Sipho ‘Hotstix Mabuse’.
“It was such an exciting and humbling experience being honoured by prestigious and international brands like GQ South Africa and Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège. Thank you very much,” says Chiume.
