Martell Announces Ivie Ani As Its New Cultural Ambassador
The French cognac house continues to deepen its cultural journey across the African diaspora with this new appointment.
OkayAfrica StaffOkayAfricaStaff
Nigerian American journalist and on-air host Ivie Ani is Martell’s new Culture Ambassador.courtesy of Martell
This article is sponsored by Martell.
Martell, the oldest of the great French cognac houses, has appointed Ivie Ani as a Culture Ambassador, continuing to highlight the voices shaping music, storytelling, and community across the African diaspora.
“I’ve spent my career documenting culture across the diaspora, so joining Martell as a Culture Ambassador feels deeply aligned with the work I have done and have always cared about.”courtesy of Martell
Ivie is a US-based Nigerian American culture journalist, editor, strategist, and on-air host who has built her career documenting African culture with intention and care. Her work spans music, identity, media, and global Black culture, bringing a sharp perspective to the stories, people, and ideas shaping how culture is understood today.
Her appointment builds on Martell’s Culture Ambassadors platform, which includes Adesope Olajide (Shoopsydoo) and Abdul Abdullah, who were announced as Culture Ambassadors in 2025.
“Ivie brings a very distinct perspective to Martell’s Culture Ambassadors platform,” says Lanre Odutola, Head of Culture & Partnerships, Martell. “She is someone who has been actively documenting culture, shaping stories, and helping audiences understand the people behind Afrobeats and African culture. Her perspective is thoughtful, current, and deeply connected to the diaspora. At Martell, we are proud to work with voices who support culture with purpose, champion collective success, and create space for others to be recognized."
As Martell continues to build culture partnerships rooted in intention, connection, and shared respect, Ivie’s appointment brings depth to the program, reinforcing the role of storytelling in carrying culture forward and opening space for the people shaping what comes next.
“I’ve spent my career documenting culture across the diaspora, so joining Martell as a Culture Ambassador feels deeply aligned with the work I have done and have always cared about,” says Ivie Ani. “Culture moves through stories, sound, memory, and community, from the continent and across the world, and for me, my work has always been about amplifying those voices with care, authenticity, and accuracy. It is about upholding tradition while continuing to innovate, creating space for new perspectives and helping the next generation see themselves in the story. I’m proud to continue that journey with Martell.”
From the continent to the diaspora, Martell’s culture journey continues through voices rooted in authentic expression, collective ambition, and the confidence to shape culture on their own terms.
