What’s shaking? What’s the latest in the industry in terms of business moves and endorsement deals? I wanna know and I bet you do too. So, here’s the latest scoop of what our artists and entertainers are up to.
1. D’Banj signs an Ambassador deal with Beats by Dre.
I really want to see a time where D’Banj enters into deals that amplify his brand here in the USA, not open the floodgates for everyone else to rake millions from the continent at his expense. I like his ONE campaign deal with BONO, Agriculture et al. I think, so far, it appears to be his best deal, especially in terms of reach and a real return on investment. That deal has had him on local television here in the USA, invited to the White House and also to speak at a TEDx organized event, among great opportunities that has really amplified his brand locally here in the States. I want to see more of such deals.
“@beatsbydre Our boy @iamdbanj in his custom #StudioWireless. Welcome to #BeatsFam & congrats on 10 yrs in the game.
D’Banj’s response: “And when you big, you big but when you Large you are Incharge #BeatbyDre” – The tweets from D’banj and Beats by Dre.
2. Peter Okoye Signs an endorsement deal as the face of Olympic Milk.
The deal is said to be worth millions of Nairas. Good look. It is reported to be the first solo deal Peter is signing without his other half Paul.
3. EME’s Shaydee signs with Metro Taxi.
This is a good look considering we are yet to see real traction from Shaydee. It seems Banky W and co., are really trying to make a strong comeback after losing some of their most valued artists. Wizkid’s record contract ends this year.
For this deal, I said it made sense but I did not understand Brymo as a brand ambassador for a chamber of commerce focused on promoting and marketing businesses. The chamber’s own mission and focus on “business ethics” etc. seems to undermine this signing and creates doubt on its credibility. Let’s see if Brymo will step things up.
5. Actress Monalisa Chinda launches her own talk show.
She allegedly spent 90 Million Naira in this venture. It is quite a lot of money. I think, unlike her magazine venture, she stands a chance to be really successful here. I think a talk show fits her personality rather well. I would tune in to watch her talk show. Will you?
6. Actress Helen Paul makes a major power boss lady move with the launch of her new film academy.
Great news. We need more film schools, music schools, fashion schools. There is much to be done in our primary and secondary schools and universities. We also need courses in our graduate schools on music law, fashion law and film law. The possibilities are endless and I hope many of you AML readers are a part of changing the current status quo that needs change, big time.
I am proud of Stephanie and like how she always seems to align her brand with companies that directly or indirectly benefit youths and women. My favorite of her endorsement deals remains her deal with a feminine hygiene company providing pads for young girls. Who knew that so many of our girls could not attend school when it is that time of the month, simply because they have no pads?
8. Actress Omoni Oboli is the new face of fashion brand Ayo Van Elmar Interesting and good move.
Just because you are a film talent doesn’t mean you close the door to other streams of income. From fashion merchandising to lending your name, voice, image and likeness to a brand, there are so many ways to have multiple streams of income flowing in, well into the future.
It’s a wrap on the industry moves and endorsement deals. What are your thoughts on the moves and deals by our industry folks? Hit me up in the comment section, on Facebook, twitter, via email or voicemail. I want to know. Cheers,
Cheers,
Uduak
Some of Our Achievements
Credited for several firsts in the fashion and entertainment industry, Ms. Uduak is also a Partner and Co-Founder of Ebitu Law Group, P.C. where she handles her law firm’s intellectual property law, media, business, fashion, and entertainment law practice areas. She has litigated a wide variety of cases in California courts and handled a variety of entertainment deals for clients in the USA, Africa, and Asia. Her work and contributions to the creative industry have been recognized by numerous organizations including the National Bar Association, The American University School of Law and featured in prestigious legal publications in the USA including ABA Journal and The California Lawyer Magazine. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the prestigious Academy of Arts University in San Francisco.
For legal representation inquiries, please email (uduak@ebitulawgrp.com). For blog related inquiries i.e. advertising, licensing, or guest interview requests, please email (africamusiclaw@gmail.com). Thank you for visiting Africa Music Law™.