Encomium
AS 2014 is inching to an end, several Nigerian entertainers will look back fondly at the year as rewarding. This is due to mouth-watering endorsement deals they sealed with companies who splashed millions on them.
ENCOMIUM Weekly, in this compilation, showcases some of the major benefactors of the endorsement deals in the entertainment industry this year.
TIWA SAVAGE
Sonorous singer and Mavin Record first lady, Tiwatope Balogun (nee Savage), signed a juicy deal with Pepsi in 2013. In 2014, Tiwa continued to roll in money when Pepsi renewed her contract for two years. Later this year, Mrs. Billz, as she is called by her fans, was made the face of Maggi Chicken seasoning alongside on-air personality, Toke Makinwa.
She also got another deal with Forte Oil. The deal lasted a couple of months.
HARRYSONG
Hard work began to pay off for Tare Okri, popularly known as Harrysong in 2014. The music writer and singer was signed on to Africa’s leading network provider, MTN. The mouth-watering deal was signed on Tuesday, May 12, 2014. Harrysong started his career as a songwriter before he was signed to Kelvin Luciano’s record label, Questionmark and later joined the Limpopo exponent, Kcee’s record label, Five Star Music.
HELEN PAUL
Helen Paul Bamishile started her career by mimicking children in order to make people laugh while she was still an undergraduate at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The versatile entertainer is also popularly known as Tatafo, and her baby voice holds her audience spellbound while she is performing on stage.
In May 2014, Helen Paul joined other celebrities as brand ambassador for telecom giant, Globacom and also GOTv, a Multichoice Africa television cable. The deal, we learnt, is worth millions of naira. Helen is also an actress, stand-up comedian and TV personality. She also co-hosts Jara, an MNET Africa Magic production
JOHN OKAFOR
Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu bagged his first major endorsement deal with Merrybet Gold, a sport betting company. The deal, we learnt, is worth N7 million.
Mr. Ibu was also signed as the brand ambassador for GOTv, a Multichoice Africa Television network cable alongside a female comedienne. An insider told ENCOMIUM Weekly, the deal is worth millions of naira.
In a chat with the comic actor, he said, “It feels great to be endorsed. I am happy to be honoured with endorsement. This is just the beginning, more are coming.”
USHBEBE
On-air personality and comedian, Justice Nuagbe is one of the celebrities that enjoyed a 360 degrees turnaround in 2014. The OAP who is popularly known as Ushbebe signed an endorsement deal with a real estate company known as TCV.
In a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, he said, “I am glad I was made their ambassador.” He further disclosed that the deal comes with a land and millions of naira.
BOVI
2014 is obviously rewarding for top comedian, Ugbomah Bovi. He was signed as the brand ambassador for Diamond Bank Plc and Vitafoam with other entertainers and on-air personalities.
Bovi disclosed that he is richer than some celebrities. “The money I make from Glo and Diamond Bank is better than any endorsement deals they think they have because at the long run the money is piled up. I’m richer,” Bovi gushed.
PETER OKOYE
Peter Okoye is one half of the singing twins, P-Square. The chocolate skinned dude with seductive physique, signed his first major endorsement with Nutricima, makers of Olympic evaporated milk.
Peter has never signed or performed without his twin brother, Paul before this one. However, Peter Okoye defended the allegation that there is a rift or plan to go their separate ways. “If I play for Barcelona, and I get endorsed by Nike, it does not mean the whole team got endorsed. This is not about me, and not my brother. It is a privilege. For me, among millions of entertainers, I was chosen.” He further described how he feels about the deal, “I feel honoured to be chosen as the brand ambassador. The deal means a lot, not just about me but my fans.”
-AJOKE ONITOLO
