You are in:
Africa, Elvis, Jesus And Coca-Cola
What is the most popular music in Kenya and many other parts of Africa ? Reggae ? No. Elvis. What is the most popular god in Kenya and most other parts of Africa? Krishna? No. Jesus.
And what is the most popular alcoholic drink? Beer? Yes.
And in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, what alcoholic tonic takes second place ? A ‘domestic’ spirit by the name of ‘Kiboa Vodka’. And in the third place (but only for the corrupt and rich) : Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky. Served on the terrace of the famous Norfolk Hotel.
The poor drink ‘Arak’, a strong alcoholic liquid, usually found in the slums, born in the Middle East, and readily available in most stores in East Africa.
But the favourite for all is an American beverage : Coca-Cola. The population of Africa buys over 36 billion bottles of Coke per year. Not just because the price is cheap. But because they like the taste.
Alexander Cummings, the head of Coca-Cola’s Africa division, founded in 1928, says Coca-Cola is the largest private-sector employer in Africa. He may be boasting. But, he has already organised a new $ 50 million bottling plant and a $ 10 million new office in Nairobi.
Tha dark pop drink was invented in 1886 by a certain John Pemberton, a pharmacist, in Atlanta, Georgia. The company continues to have its headquarters in that city.
Mr Pemberton might be surprised to know that Coke is now sold in 200 countries.
Originally, the ‘drugstore drink’ contained an estimated nine milligrams of cocaine per glass. However, this enticing ingredient was removed from the ‘secret’ formula in 1903.
Pity we can’t turn the clock back to 1902.
