Why I Refused To Renew My MTN Endorsement Deal - Iyanya

Dem Mama Soldier boss, Timaya, was one of the celebrities expected to have renewed his endorsement deal with telecommunications company, MTN, but when that did not happen, we quickly forgot about it.

However, the singer did not let the matter be swept under the rug following insinuations that those whose contracts were not renewed with the telecoms giant did not bring the much needed value to the company's brand.

Speaking with PUNCH recently, the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa noted that the non-renewal of his contract with MTN was more of a business decision than personal reasons.

"I have always wanted to become an ambassador to a telecommunications company and I was approached by both Globacom and MTN. I chose MTN. I am a businessman and I feel I should have a better deal this year".

Speaking further, he said, "If the deal is not good enough for me, then it is not right because I worked very hard to get to the stage I am. It could be right for other people but I think I should do better this year. There are some artistes that are brand ambassadors and they do not have any hit song. They are just there based on pity.

"Every year, I release a hit song and I feel if we are to renew a contract, we have to revisit the terms and conditions. Not that we would do the same thing as the last time or do it out of pity. Being a brand ambassador makes you limited in some certain areas and I expect to be paid for such limitations. I want more. They are good people and we did not have any misunderstanding. It was purely a business decision", Timaya revealed.