A well-orchestrated publicity stunt ‘may’ have unfurled right before our eyes — and we never even had a clue.
When brands and artistes are planning new ventures or collaborating, they sometimes embark on elaborate series of public happenings that are designed to seem like natural events.
Today, our focus is on Pepsi and Tekno.
The latter has been active and vociferous on social media in the past few weeks and the former, recently made a major announcement.
What they have in common is a business partnership, by way of a brand ambassadorship.
Tekno, whose Twitter handle, was largely inactive before recent weeks, recently (and suddenly) sprung to life — becoming full of activity.
After some back and forth with fans, the ‘Pana’ singer upped the ante by getting himself entangled — albeit uninvited — in the war of words between Davido and Wizkid.
All it took was this tweet and a couple of others.
Na just Time, soon we go know who international pass 😂😂
— TEKNOOFFICIAL (@alhajitekno) July 5, 2017
Not long after it was posted, Tekno received immense backlash on Twitter and was called out for getting involved in a spat that was beyond him.
The artiste had a rough time, and maybe, milked the attention and the virtual water balloons that got tossed at him by the internet for supposedly trying to get under the skin of Wizkid who would later refer to him as a duck.
To milk the buzz around him a little further, Tekno waved the white flag through a tongue-in-cheek tweet.
Oya pls don't be offended! Forgive and forget.. let me produce a track for you 🤝
Advertisement— TEKNOOFFICIAL (@alhajitekno) July 6, 2017
Two days after the heat was starting to cool, Tekno transformed into a social philanthropist. He grew a heart so generous and picked the perfect moment to pitch its amazingness.
Note: before the past couple of months, Tekno’s Twitter existence largely quiet and dull.
Am putting 5 million down to support any one that has plans for a small business, or need to pay their school fees.. #pls link up with proof
— TEKNOOFFICIAL (@alhajitekno) July 7, 2017
This would continue for another sixteen days.
Still basking in the success of the engagement he had ignited, he took a brief hiatus and returned with a new strategy which he shared in a series of tweets.
My People!
— TEKNOOFFICIAL (@alhajitekno) July 22, 2017
First, he dropped a hint;
I get big heart oh.. But as I no fit bless each person individually. Make I see if I fit bless my people together at once 😊
— TEKNOOFFICIAL (@alhajitekno) July 22, 2017
Then came the plan.
Let's try this,I still got N2Million to give out. So tweet at me ideas that u think if I do,I will affect hundreds of Nigerians positively
— TEKNOOFFICIAL (@alhajitekno) July 22, 2017
And he added a warning;
But na the one wey my power reach I go do… So my people let's get creative. I dey "Obsereve"
— TEKNOOFFICIAL (@alhajitekno) July 22, 2017
Of the torrent of responses Tekno received for his offer, he picked the one that his “power reach(ed)”.
Shebi you be Pepsi Ambassador? Why not ask Pepsi to bring back the price of their plastic bottle to N100. make all of us kukuma enjoy!
— 4. (@FI_OLARIN) July 22, 2017
Then came the execution.
😂😂😂 @Pepsi_Naija this one loud oh! But I'll put the word out there 🤗 https://t.co/VB8nhFS1UV
— TEKNOOFFICIAL (@alhajitekno) July 23, 2017
Pepsi wasn’t going to leave an ambassador hanging high and dry, and so they replied with a response that seemed like they were considering the request.
#NoShakinCarryGo Pepsi 50cl plastic bottle….Loading 😉
— Pepsi Nigeria (@Pepsi_Naija) July 24, 2017
And voila!
Its official! Your Pepsi 50cl plastic bottle is now back at N100! #NoShakinCarryGo pic.twitter.com/hOq7p4wuUo
— Pepsi Nigeria (@Pepsi_Naija) July 25, 2017
What had started as a Twitter rant by Tekno culminated in a trending social media campaign with the hashtag ‘No Shaking, Carry go’ and a jab at competitors in the quest to be viewed as the most affordable brand of all.
The plan, if at all it was one, was so natural in its approach and well thought out, including its execution.
However, one could argue that it may have just been a mere coincidence and a series of unconnected happenstances but whichever way it falls, it was indeed a win-win for Tekno, Pepsi and most certainly Nigerians — who will now pay less for the beverage.
Copyright 2024 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle