Nicki Minaj Demands a Private Area
Frauenfeld, Switzerland – This year the pulsating beats of Frauenfeld, Thurgau, the picturesquesetting, was Switzerland’s leading and Europe’s largest three-day hip-hop festival. Boasting an impressive lineup of 73 headlining acts, including 21 Savage, Apache 207, Playboy Carti, and the iconic Nicki Minaj, this event is a true spectacle. Despite the challenging terrain and the need for appropriate footwear, the magnetic pull of hip-hop drew a staggering 50,000 attendees daily, culminating in a record-breaking 160,000 festival-goers this year.
At the Hennessy rooftop bar, guests were welcomed by an exceptionally friendly staff serving exquisite, ice-cold Hennessy & Passion Fruit cocktail slushies alongside the timeless Hennessy Very Special (V.S.) cognac & Coca-Cola mix. Cognacs bearing the VS designation are the youngest in Hennessy’s lineup, featuring eaux-de-vie aged in French oak barrels for up to five years. The VS Cognac tantalises the palate with vibrant notes reminiscent of citrus fruits, apples, oak, roasted almonds, and grapes, delivering a sophisticated, exceptional tasting experience, and the prices are not out of range for the festival consumer. This chic venue provided a panoramic view of the main stage, complemented by a designated dance area and a serene chill-out corner. Hennessy’s profound connection to Hip Hop culture ensured that the Rooftop Bar remained a bustling epicentre of activity throughout the festival.
Preparing for the Frauenfeld festival was a monumental task, involving the transportation of hundreds of tonnes of equipment. The ‘Times Square’ lighting of the three stages required additional
generators to supplement the main power supply in case of outages. Extra parking was arranged at a nearby military base to accommodate the influx of band trucks and vehicles. Medical tents, which saw increased activity as the nights progressed, were on standby for those who needed assistance. This scale of organization was a testament to the festival’s grandeur.
Additional entertainment was provided by the MAC cosmetics tent, supplied with a continual source of refreshing Whispering Angel, the renowned Rosé that brought the essence of Provence to festival-goers. Whispering Angel, which was instrumental in sparking the Rosé Revolution, is a pale rosé with notes of fresh citrus, rose petals, and red fruit notes, and a palate that is round and well-balanced with great acidity and structure. This versatile rosé is an excellent apéritif and pairs beautifully with various dishes, from herb-infused Mediterranean cuisine to Pan-Asian fare.
Within the tent, a talented makeup crew offered festival-goers the chance to glam up with diamond and pearl-adorned eyes alongside expert tips for achieving the look. Despite the long queues, the lively atmosphere with a live DJ, snacks, and plenty of art and fashion chatter made the wait enjoyable.
The festival was a continuous celebration of styleand music, with attendees flaunting everything from casual hip-hop wear to luxurious classics. The extensive food court, a festival culinary paradise, offered a diverse array of cuisines from around the world with swift service, and the 440-meter stretch of bars ensured no one went thirsty.
The festival’s pinnacle arrived with Nicki Minaj’s grand entrance. Nicki requested a private area backstage at the festival where cameras and iPhones were strictly prohibited, which was not a usual request from the festival performers. Her performance commenced with a futuristic sci-fi pink video of her landing in Switzerland, instantly captivating the audience. Nicki then made a dramatic entrance on stage, commanding it with her hit songs, suggestive dance routines, and rapid costume changes, supported by her dynamic crew. The night eventually concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, marking the end of a truly powerful and unforgettable festival.
Very Special Hennessy photo COURTESY OF THE BRAND
photos 2,3,4,6 CORNELIA KINDSVATER
photos 5,7 SANDRA ROCHE SCHAEREN
author SANDRA ROCHE SCHAEREN