Unveiling 12 Top ‘Naija’ Artistes Brands Ignore

Wande Coal

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 credibility and consumer acceptance 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 list of 12 Nigerian music stars brands are ignoring despite their thrills in the industry.
1.    Oritese Femi
He is one of the hottest Nigerian artistes for a couple of year 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 head phones 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.
2.    Niyola
A talented soulful singer, she seems to be the right person for commercial airlines and other transportation firms with song titles ‘Go on’ and ‘last bustop’ to sign endorsement deal with-but has none yet.
3.    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.
4.    Wande Coal
Blessed with a unique voice, the farmer 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.
5.    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’ leveled against him by fans, or may be not.
6.    Adekunle God
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?
7.    Small Doctor
Small Doctor’s ‘Mosquites killer’ and ‘Gabera’ – 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.
8.    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.
9.    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 2 face Idibia in 2013, Baba is yet to be signed up by a brand.
10.    Ill Bliss
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…
11.    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.
12.    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.