Nigerians have criticised popular afrobeats singer Ayodeji Balogun, popularly called Wizkid, over his claims that international fashion brand Puma could no longer afford to pay for his services.
While reacting to a social media troll on Wednesday, Wizkid, in a statement on X, berated his colleague David Adeleke, popularly called Davido, for signing a Puma deal, which he rejected.
The Ojuelegba crooner has been on and about criticising Davido in various statements on X.
Rekindling the rivalry between the singers, in a series of statements on X on Wednesday, Wizkid described Davido as “a spoilt rich kid,” Chronicle NG reports.
In reaction to his charade, social media influencer Nelson Epega mocked Wizkid over claims Puma ended its endorsement deal with the singer in order to endorse his rival Davido.
Reacting to Epega’s claims, Wizkid said, “You idiot, I turned down Puma because they could no longer afford to pay me because I wanted more. I don’t need that. I am way bigger than every artist you just mentioned. Not jealous. I love them all.”
However, Nigerians were quick to roast the ‘Holla at you boy’ crooner over his claims the fashion brand could no longer afford his services.
They made mention of global international artists and footballers on Puma’s payroll.
They alleged that Puma jettisoned Wizkid for bringing little to no value to the brand; as such, Davido was used to replace him.
In his reaction to the singers claims, Faruq Bashar states, “No global brand worth billions of dollars will stop paying you because they can no longer afford you, unless they are not getting value that matches the pay you’re asking for. Puma is too big of a brand to be guiding and going for cheaper alternatives.”
This publication highlights some of the reactions of Nigerians to Wizkid’s claims.
Rozapepper, “They used you as a sales boy; they needed a global ambassador, and they went for Davido. You were never an ambassador; you are just a sales boy. Stop lying.”
Olamide, “When you’re not loved at home, you behave like Wizkid.” The truth is, you were a salesman for the brand. Stop the cap, you deluded lizard.
“Puma could never use a pathetic psychopath like you as the face of their company.”
Stanfits, “First you say money means nothing to you; next you say you turned down Puma because you wanted more money. Who cursed you to be confused?”
Tboy, “Puma can’t afford you but they can afford Neymar, Rihanna, and lots of footballers also. But they can’t afford you?”
Dhemonk, “I laughed my belle out when I first saw that tweet; he’s literally saying Puma doesn’t rate him.”
Adeyemi Elizabeth, ”Is this really necessary? Never thought I’d see this side of Wizkid again. It’s already becoming childish.”
Damian, ”Bro said Puma could no longer afford him. Guys, should I give you a list of people who are more relevant and popular than Wizkid but are on Puma’s list? Bro must be on something.”
Philip, ”You wanted more, isn’t that greed? Yet you are pained another person took the deal, yet you are pained he is from a wealthy home. Make this make sense, Mr. Ayo.”
Eniola, ”The same Puma can afford Rihanna, Neymar, Haaland, MYKE, Lipa, Flau’Jae Johnson, and Davido, so, please, compare your worth with them and see that you are not close.”
Ogu Babafemi, ”Wizkid said he turned down Puma? In entrepreneurship, every dollar counts.
“Davido is way richer than Wizkid, but he still accepts the Puma deal. Wizkid is finished, and he knows.”
Khadija Garba, ”They could no longer afford you; they just didn’t think you were worth the new demands you were demanding.”
Ekene, ”Wizkid asking Puma for a pay increase is like Antony asking Man United for a salary increase when he’s not bringing much value to the club.”
Slimshaddy, ”Don’t mind the Ojuelegba fraud; he says he turned down the deal because Puma couldn’t afford to pay him, but the same Puma is paying Neymar that is 100 times bigger than him; if lie was a person, it definitely has to be that kid.”
Aina, ”No one is dull enough to believe that. When brands like Nike, Puma, and the like come up with ideas for publicity at the level they’re at, finance is not even an issue. As long as they’ll get what they want, they will pay you what you are worth.”
Desola, ”Do you get it? When you give those kinds of brands value, you don’t even need to ask for a raise. See the way these brands treat Davido. Take Martell, for instance; those guys did a chain for him.”
