Telecoms giant MTN have announced the 11 superstars that have been dropped from their endorsement deals, reports Nigerian Entertainment Today.
MTN officially unveiled its list ambassadors for the year and at least 11 prominent names are missing.
Sources informed about the development told Signal, an online newspaper, the decision to drop the 11 ambassadors is not unconnected to plans by the telecoms giant to cut down operational and promotional costs following biting economic recession currently plaguing the Nigerian economy.
“Times are hard. Maintaining that large number of A-listers at a time like this is no longer sustainable. The only realistic thing to do was to cut down and drop some of the big fishes”, the source who did not want to be named said.
“In line with our commitment to supporting Nigerian musicians by providing alternative platforms through which they can receive lucrative value for their intellectual property, MTN has announced brand ambassadors for 2016-2017,” a statement by MTN’s general manager of consumer marketing, Richard Iweanoge, said.
“Music ambassadors for 2016-2017 are: Praiz (Praise Adejo); Iyanya (Iyanya Mbuk); Chidinma (Chidinma Ekile); Falz (Folarin Falana); Tekno Miles (Augustine Kelechi) and Skales (Raoul Njeng-Njeng). Four other ambassadors are – Saka (Hafiz Oyetoro); Nedu; Osuofia (Nkem Owoh), and Adamu Zango.”
Celebrities affected by the MTN ‘downsizing’ include Davido, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, Sound Sultan, Banky W, KCee , Harrysong, Patience Ozokwo (Mama G) , Timaya, and Sean Tizzle.
Most of the ambassadors dropped by MTN are among some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
