by Hauwa Gambo
So crawl out of that hole you’ve been hiding in: the brand wars in Nigeria just climbed a step up. Yesterday, social media and television was on fire as MTN delivered what many call an advertising coup: ‘Saka’ a popular figure in Etisalat television commercials suddenly debuted on an MTN number portability commercial – announcing ‘I don port o, I don port go MTN. I don upgrade to MTN‘.
And he announces it with such glee!
The comic actor, real names Hafiz Ayetoro, is known for comic roles in television series, as well as Yoruba and English movies. Some media claim he received N20million for the promo. We cannot confirm that – but he certainly looks like someone who did.
See the video below:
Not surprisingly, brand managers of both companies are keeping mum, and even refusing to be named on the record, and so we resorted to stalking their social media pages, as well as those of their online ‘defenders’ and we sighted these tweets:
RT @toluogunlesi Just saw Hakeem Kae-Kazeem on an Etisalat ad. Cool. Is he replacing Saka? 😐 **;)**
— Steko (@Steve_eko) April 23, 2013
RT @kingraah @mtn_ng you can keep Saka, etisalat has replaced him with Hakeem kae-Kazeem. We have ported to Hollywood, shiiii **Lol**
— Steko (@Steve_eko) April 23, 2013
And for good measure, the advertising whiz behind some of Etisalat’s successful commercials, Steve Babaeko tweets a photo of himself with the Nigerian-born Hollywood actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim.
We have two words: Game on!
CAN HAKIM UPSTAGE SAKA?
I don't think so … Saka is so perfect for that role!
lol, funny advert. The message to etisalat was in 2 folds, and men, a brand war just got started. Lets hope services also improve.
Hey, you should read this, it would clarify so man misconceptions..
The author is a leader, a brand expert in the creation of the “saka” saga.
You’ll be happy you read it.
http://www.ynaija.com/who-really-ported-our-saka-the-guy-who-created-the-character-speaks-read/
replaced with a foreigner abi
dem nor see mr IBU
Cool advert, but mtn should pls improve their service delivery first b4 running expensive ads…are they fools or is it dt they’re ignorant of their bad reception ? MTN sucks…yeah. I don port…Mtcheeeeew
Omo! Na una money dem use port N20 million into saka’s bank account ooo! Una tink say na beans?! Omo! Bone,the guy don PORT!! He nor fit shout! Etisalat is crap though,same as Mtn but I will prefer MTN,etisalat can packup and go for all I care!
B speakin plenty grammar, hollywood or nollywood. D Arabz are smiling 2d bank, so continue beefin etisalat
I don’t blame saka,he didn’t see any kobo 4rm dat etisalat advert,d contract was given 2 someone nd dat person now give it 2 saka.so he now see beta offer pple ar complainin.pls carry go saka.d lord is ur strenght
If Saka’s contract with Etisalat has ended and MTN offered a better deal,I see no reason why he shouldn’t take it.Abeg make una free Saka joor….Me sef I don Port go MTN.just mere looking at Saka’s face makes me laff.I just love the dude.
For Saka to leave Etisalat and move to MTN its for better offer. If na self I go move on, cos we all are praying for better offer abi. And is it hollywood that will use their products and services?
Bro u c am too?! MTN port tinz. Na wa o!
Artists use foreign ladyz 4thr dance video, does it stp us 4rm dancin 2it? The guy is stl nigerian shekina! Talk objectively nt blabbing
Shey na hollywood etisalat wan sell their recharge cards, abi america dey use their network, they just took steps to the wrong direction, even the hollywood star nor the use etisalat
Abi oh thank u omini. Will he use etisalat in d U.S? Shior! I looooove d advert. Kirikata kirikata dance had me laughing lol.
Who iڪ talking about integrity? Mtchew… Saka, more power †̥♥ your elbows. Etisalat would. Ħª√ę treated Ɣ☺ΰ worse when they were done with Ɣ☺ΰ. That’s life…..
But seriously,Lizzy just spoke my mind.each time I see the advert I always think its for Etisalat.He has really made a name with Etisalat.
Mr Saka or whatever U call urself, integrity first my friend – an attribute that is obviously deficient in ur outlook to life.
What integrity are you talking about ? His deal with Etisalat am sure ran out and Etisalat were not willing to renew so he should because of loyalty or integrity go home and eat those abi ? Dude has just ported and it was a nice coup from MTN for keeping in touch with the dude, Etisalat should go for a better figure except if they want to advertise roaming.
Wat integrity are u talking abt? Are u saying he shud not take up an offer from mtn if his deal with etisalat is over and dey dnt want to work wit me anymore?? I can see u ar think wit ur heart and not ur head…
Ds is serios….d funniest thing is that each time I watch dat MTN’s commercial, its Etisalat that comes to my mind. Lol