All upcoming artists in Nigeria dream of landing endorsement deals back-to-back. It is not only a sign of recognition but also a way to earn money beyond shows and music streams.
The Nigerian music industry is growing fast, and brands want to connect with artists who can influence people. This creates big opportunities for both established stars and upcoming talents.
But how do endorsement deals work for upcoming artists in Nigeria? The truth is that endorsement deals are more than just taking pictures with products or appearing in adverts. They are legal agreements that bind both the artist and the brand.
An artist agrees to promote the product or service, and in return, the brand offers money, gifts, or other rewards.
Many artists think only big stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy can secure endorsement deals. That is not true. Upcoming artists can also get noticed and sign deals with smaller brands, startups, and local companies. What matters is visibility, influence, and a professional image. This means you must treat your craft like a business.
To make this easier, platforms like Mayvibe play a huge role. We help artists promote their songs, build credibility, and attract the attention of brands. Without visibility, no brand will take you seriously, no matter how good your music is.
In this article, you will learn how endorsement deals work for artists, which artists have the most deals, how you can position yourself for such opportunities, and how to promote your music as an upcoming artist in Nigeria. You will also learn practical tips to cut costs, increase exposure, and secure sponsors.
How Do Endorsement Deals Work?
Endorsement deals are legal agreements where an artist agrees to promote a brand’s product or service. In exchange, the artist is paid or compensated in other forms. The deal could include commercials, social media promotion, event appearances, or exclusive use of the brand’s products.
Brands choose artists who can influence their target audience. For instance, a beverage company may work with an artist popular among young people because that group buys the drink the most. The brand hopes that fans of the artist will buy their product because of the artist’s influence.
Endorsement deals given to old and upcoming artists in Nigeria and everywhere in the world often come with contracts. These contracts outline payment terms, the period of the agreement, the artist’s duties, and restrictions. For example, an artist promoting Pepsi cannot promote Coca-Cola at the same time. Some contracts even dictate how often the artist must post about the brand online.
For upcoming artists, the value of the deal may be smaller than what established stars earn. But that does not make it less important. In fact, one good deal can open the door to bigger ones. Smaller deals help upcoming artists build a track record, which brands will consider in the future.
The secret is to build your image as a trusted figure. Brands want to work with artists who have loyal fans, an active presence online, and a clean reputation. Even if you are still upcoming, you can attract deals by being consistent and professional.
Which African Artist Has The Most Endorsement Deals?
When it comes to endorsement deals, several African artists stand out. Nigerian stars are at the top of this list. For example, Davido has worked with brands like Pepsi, MTN, Infinix, Puma, and Wema Bank. Wizkid has had deals with Nike, Ciroc, UBA, and Puma. Burna Boy has also landed major contracts with Star Lager, Chipper Cash, and Crocs.
Outside Nigeria, other African artists are also doing well. South African rapper Nasty C has worked with Red Bull and Puma. Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz has secured contracts with Pepsi, Parimatch, and Itel. These artists prove that endorsement deals in Africa are not limited to Nigerian musicians alone.
The artist with the most endorsement deals usually changes over time. However, Nigerian artists dominate the African market because of Afrobeats’ global appeal. Afrobeats has opened doors to international recognition, which attracts global brands.
For upcoming artists, this should serve as motivation. Big endorsement deals do not come overnight. Artists who now sign with major brands started small. Many first worked with local brands in their community before moving up. By building influence and credibility step by step, they caught the attention of international companies.
The lesson is simple. Focus on growing your career locally. As your music spreads, bigger opportunities will come. Endorsement deals follow influence, and influence is built with consistency.
How Do Artists Get Endorsement Deals?
Getting an endorsement deal is not about luck. It is about strategy. The first step is visibility. Brands will not work with artists they have never heard of. This means you must push your music out there, build an online presence, and grow your fan base.
The second step is the image. Brands care about how artists present themselves. They want artists whose lifestyle matches their product. For instance, a fitness company will likely work with an artist who promotes health and fitness in their brand.
Third, artists often get deals through networking. Managers, promoters, and agencies play a big role in connecting artists with brands. Some artists even have PR teams that approach companies directly to pitch partnerships.
Fourth, professionalism matters. Brands avoid artists who are difficult to work with or are always in scandals. Having a clean record and being reliable increases your chances.
Even as an upcoming artist, showing up on time for events, delivering quality performances, and being consistent on social media can make brands trust you.
Finally, platforms like Mayvibe help. By promoting your music, building data around your streams, and giving you exposure, we help you appear credible. Brands want numbers. If you can show active engagement with fans, you are more likely to secure deals.
How Do I Promote My Song As An Upcoming Artist?
Promotion is the foundation of every music career. Without it, even the best songs remain unknown. As an upcoming artist in Nigeria, you must be smart with your promotion because resources are limited.
The first step is social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter allow you to reach fans directly. Create engaging content around your songs and be consistent.
The second step is streaming platforms. Upload your music to Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and Boomplay. These platforms help people discover your music beyond Nigeria.
Third, use music blogs and radio stations. Local exposure builds credibility and makes it easier to attract bigger platforms later.
This is where Mayvibe comes in. Mayvibe helps upcoming artists promote their songs at affordable costs. They connect artists with distribution, promotion channels, and industry professionals who can boost visibility. Without promotion, no brand will take an upcoming artist seriously. But with platforms like Mayvibe, you can grow your reach even on a budget.
Promoting your music is not a one-time effort. It is a continuous process. Keep releasing music, engaging fans, and staying consistent. Over time, your visibility will attract endorsement deals.
How Much Does Music Promotion Cost In Nigeria?
The cost of music promotion in Nigeria depends on the method you use. Radio airplay may cost up to ₦2,000,000 per station, depending on the city. Popular music blogs may charge ₦100,000 to feature your music.
Social media influencers also play a role. Some charge as low as ₦50,000 for a post, while big influencers may demand ₦2,000,000 or more. Playlist placements on platforms like Audiomack and Spotify may also require payments.
Music videos are another part of promotion. A low-budget video may cost around ₦3,000,000, while top-quality videos can cost even more. For an upcoming artist, this may seem overwhelming. But you do not need to do everything at once.
Platforms like Mayvibe offer affordable alternatives. With our platform, you can distribute your music globally, get blog placements, and even connect with influencers at reasonable rates. This makes it easier for upcoming artists to compete without breaking the bank.
The truth is that music promotion is an investment. The more you put in, the more results you get. But as an upcoming artist, you must start small, focus on consistency, and grow your budget as your career expands.
How To Become Famous As An Upcoming Artist?
Becoming famous is not just about releasing songs. It is about building influence. To achieve this, you must combine talent with strategy.
Start with consistency. Keep releasing music that resonates with your audience. Many artists blew up after their fifth or sixth song, not their first.
Engage your fans. Reply to comments, share behind-the-scenes videos, and make them feel part of your journey. Fame grows faster when fans feel connected to you.
Collaborate with other artists. Features expose you to new audiences. Even working with artists at your level can double your reach.
Use trends to your advantage. Platforms like TikTok have made unknown artists famous overnight. Create challenges and short clips that people can share.
Finally, stay professional. Fame is not just about visibility. It is also about trust. If brands, media houses, and fans see you as reliable, your fame will last longer.
How To Promote Your Unreleased Song?
Promoting an unreleased song builds hype and anticipation. Many artists make the mistake of waiting until release day to promote. That reduces impact.
Start by teasing the song. Share snippets on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter. Let fans hear the chorus or a catchy line.
Second, build stories around the song. Share what inspired it, behind-the-scenes clips, or the making of the video. Fans love to feel connected to your process.
Third, use pre-save campaigns. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music allow fans to pre-save songs before release. This boosts first-day streams.
Fourth, work with influencers. Let them use your song snippets in their content before the official release. This creates buzz.
An unreleased song is like a product launch. The more anticipation you build, the bigger the results when it finally drops.
How To Get A Sponsor As A Music Artist?
Sponsors are vital for upcoming artists. They provide financial support for projects, tours, and promotions. To get a sponsor, you need to show value.
Start by building a strong brand. Sponsors want artists with influence, not just talent. A strong online presence and an active fan base are key.
Second, prepare a sponsorship proposal. Show what the sponsor will gain from supporting you. This could be brand exposure, event branding, or online promotions.
Third, network. Many sponsorships come through relationships. Attend industry events, connect with managers, and build contacts.
This is another area where Mayvibe helps. By boosting your visibility and giving you structured promotion, they make you look credible to sponsors. Sponsors want data, and Mayvibe helps artists present numbers that prove their value.
Finally, be professional. Deliver on promises and maintain a clean reputation. Once a sponsor trusts you, more opportunities will come.
Also Read: How Can I Get My Music Heard Internationally From Nigeria
Conclusion
Endorsement deals for upcoming artists in Nigeria are not a mystery. They are structured agreements where artists provide value to brands in exchange for money, exposure, or resources. Big stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy are leading examples, but upcoming artists can also benefit if they position themselves well.
The path to securing deals starts with building visibility, growing your influence, and maintaining a clean professional image. By promoting your music, networking, and using a platform like Mayvibe, you can attract the attention of brands and sponsors.
Remember that endorsement deals follow influence. Focus on growing your music, engaging fans, and staying consistent. Over time, the deals will come.