Wikise gets second ambassadorial role

Real estate dealers Atlas Realtors has given contemporary Afro-dance artist Wikise another chance after a contractual breach threatened his role as the company’s brand ambassador.

A meeting held yesterday at the company’s offices in Lilongwe resolved to maintain the artist as brand ambassador of the company after he was re-oriented on his role as an advocate for the company’s services.

Atlas Realtors Company senior sales and marketing manager Laurent Kwakwala said the musician may have gotten excited and overlooked some of the demands on his contract in composing the latest song Njoyako, which was the bone of contention.

“He is a creative artist and in that light he could have selected another expression to avoid talking about building houses, a service that we deal in. Although we felt that was not right, we have agreed that he will continue in his role,” he said.

Kwakwala said a clause stipulating how the artist must conduct himself and slant his musical content during his time as the company’s brand ambassador. 

Speaking separately after the meeting, the Chikamphulikire star said he is glad that the issue has been resolved amicably and promised to ensure that his content is in line with the brand he represents.

He said: “You know we have these songs which come to mind in a flash. This particular song was created while in the studio and I did not have much time to ponder on the wider meaning and consequences. I should have done better indeed.”

Meanwhile arts commentator Wonderful Mkhutche said the move by Atlas Realtors are appropriate as every contract comes with its obligations and limitations.

“When you are a brand ambassador everything about you represents that brand. The lyrics in question are damaging and speaking the opposite of what Wikise was hired to represent. It is good that he was summoned and that a common ground has been reached,” he said.

According to Atlas Realtors, the artist is supposed to influence target market to buy the company’s products and services by educating them the importance of the same, among other responsibilities and duties as brand ambassador.

Atlas Realtors and Wikise announced the start of their one-year partnership in February this year estimated to be over K4 million.