Endorsement Deals: 13 Nigerian music stars brands are ignoring

Famous people have always made excellent salesmen. Presenting a familiar face is one of the fastest and easiest ways for companies to create brand associations in the minds of consumers. When a widely loved artist or a heroic sports figure endorses a product, that product gains immediate credibility.

Which makes one wonder why some artistes who have been consistently popular in the recent past seem not to be able to attract brands despite their mass appeal and wave-making hits.

Following the recent signing of ‘Aye’ hitmaker, Davido into the league of Pepsi ambassadors, which include Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay, here’s a look at 13 Nigerian music stars brands are ignoring despite their thrills in the industry.

Oritsefemi

He is one of the hottest Nigerian artistes for a couple of years now, with hit tracks including ‘Double Wahala’, ‘Body & Soul’ ‘Igbeyawo’, ‘Sukus’ and ‘Sexy Dance’. Despite allowing D’banj to promote products including Koko Garri and Beats By Dre headphones in ‘Double Wahala remix’ video – a move which shows he’s willing, the self-styled ‘Musical Taliban’ is yet to be looked upon by brands.

Niyola

A talented soulful singer, she seems to be the right person for commercial airlines and other transportation firms with songs titles like ‘Go on’ and ‘Last Bustop’ to sign endorsement deal with – but has none yet.

Terry G

The ‘Ginger Master’ has scored hits consistently for many years, touring both locally and globally. Yet, despite his energetic persona – his electrifying performance at Etisalat Campus Clique 2 years ago comes to mind –  the singer is yet to be the face of a brand.

9ice

Once in the league of Glo ambassadors, the ‘Sugar’ singer has been neglected by brands for some years now, even though he still impresses fans with beautiful songs.

Wande Coal

Blessed with a unique voice, the former Mo’hits act recently dropped his second album to wide acclaim. His chart-topping skills however has seemingly gone unnoticed by brands and companies. Surely, the ‘Baby Hello’ singer is worthy to be a ‘superwoman’ again.

Sean Tizzle

Since the ‘Perfect Gentleman’ was dropped by MTN last year, following a deal worth N20m when he was signed in 2014, he’s yet to be picked up by another brand.

This may be due to allegations of ‘skin bleaching’ levelled against him by fans. Or maybe not. 

Adekunle Gold

After successfully dropping hits back to back, from Sade to Orente to Pick Up, and now that he’s Ready, what are the brands waiting for?

Small Doctor

Small Doctor’s ‘Mosquitoes Killer’ and ‘Gbera’ – a popular song for Dog and Horse race speculators – should have been enough to get him an endorsement deal.

Alas, unlike Harrysong who sang ‘share the Gala, share the booze, the booze, the booze’ and got a deal, the deals seems not to be in the horizon.

Lil Kesh

You won’t believe the YBNL act and Headies nominee has NO brand endorsement, his ‘street credibility’ notwithstanding. Yes we’re shocked too.

Dr. Victor Olaiya

At 85, he’s arguably the oldest and most active highlife singer in the world after Bobby Benson passed away in 1983, E. T. Mensah in 1996 and Jerry Hansen, leader of Ramblers Dance Band of Ghana, who died in April 2012.

The remix of his hit song ‘Baby Jowo’ featuring 2face Idibia in 2013, baba is yet to be signed up by a brand.

Illbliss

As one of the most hardworking rappers in the country, ‘Oga Boss’ from the eastern side of Nigeria deserves that bank alert, Chukwu agozigo gi…

Runtown

Walahi he’s been making Bangers from Lagos To Kampala and several others. He’s had a couple of hits to his credit in recent years and any brand that partners with the 26-year-old singer will surely become more Successful.

Saheed Osupa

The self-acclaimed king of Fuji music is nowhere close to his acclaimed rival Pasuma, and Alao Malaika when it comes to brand endorsements.