“The Power Shift: Wizkid’s Lost Deals and Davido’s Rising Influence in the Brand Game”
In 2020, Wizkid was riding high as the face of PUMA, securing a $1 million deal annually. But when the contract expired, the Starboy upped his demands, asking for the same $10 million deal that PUMA gave global icons like Rihanna and Neymar. However, things took a turn when PUMA refused to meet Wizkid’s asking price, citing his collection’s sales performance. Fast forward to now, PUMA has signed Davido for the exact $10 million Wizkid once demanded.
Wizkid’s frustrations didn’t end there. UBA, which had a $3 million deal with him since 2020, has also reportedly ended their partnership. Even his meeting with UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu couldn’t salvage the deal. Word on the street is that UBA is looking to Davido as their new brand ambassador.
This double loss seems to have sparked Wizkid’s online tirade, accusing Davido of backdoor dealings, but it appears the tides are shifting. As Davido continues to secure major wins, the balance of power in the brand ambassador game has clearly shifted.
It’s a new era for Davido, but a challenging one for Wizkid. How will the Starboy bounce back? Only time will tell.