•Oromo Artist Rufas Tiya has landed a landmark brand ambassador role with taxi-hailing giant, Faras.
In a major milestone for the local entertainment industry, trailblazing Oromo artist Rufas Tiya has secured an ambassadorial role with Faras, a rapidly growing taxi-hailing app.
The deal, which has reportedly propelled Tiya into a new league of financial success, marks a significant achievement for both the artist and the app, which has been carving out a niche in the competitive transportation sector.
The news came to light after videos and photos of Tiya participating in Faras’ promotional roadshows began circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms.
The footage showcased the artist wearing outfits emblazoned with Faras’ logo and colors as she engaged with fans and promoted the app across various estates.
A Star-Studded Roadshow
Tiya was accompanied by a host of other national celebrities, including Kenyan viral sensation Stivo Simple Boy, comedian Otoyo, the duo behind the hit song “Anguka Nayo,” and influencer Godana Wako, also known as Prince Chaala.
The roadshows featured interactive sessions where Tiya and her peers demonstrated how to use the Faras app and distributed giveaways worth hundreds of thousands of shillings to lucky attendees.
The event was not just a celebration of Faras’ growing presence but also a platform to connect with the public in an engaging and memorable way.
Tiya’s involvement, alongside other celebrated figures, added a cultural and artistic dimension to the campaign.
Breaking New Ground for Local Indigenous Artists
The partnership between Rufas Tiya and Faras is particularly significant given the history of the local arts industry.
Despite its longevity, few local artists have ever had the opportunity to represent a major national or international brand.
Entertainment pundits have hailed this development as a potential game-changer, arguing that it could inspire other artists to invest in their personal branding and expand their presence across social media platforms.
Tiya’s journey to this landmark achievement has not been without challenges. After losing her main YouTube account a few years ago, she had to rebuild her online presence from scratch.
Today, she boasts nearly 100,000 followers on TikTok, over 60,000 followers on her official Facebook page, and a Facebook group with an impressive 460,000 members.
Commitment to Excellence
A representative for Rufas Tiya, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed the artist’s excitement about her new role.
“She is thrilled to be part of the Faras family and is committed to doing everything in her power to promote the brand. This is not just a deal for her; it’s an opportunity to set an example for other artists in the industry,” they said.
A New Chapter
For Faras, partnering with Rufas Tiya represents a strategic move to align the brand with a dynamic and influential figure.
For Tiya, it is a validation of her resilience and the strength of her personal brand.
As the artist continues to build on her success, this collaboration could pave the way for more local creatives to take center stage in national and international campaigns.
The deal has not only solidified Tiya’s position as a trailblazer in the Oromo and Kenyan entertainment scenes but has also highlighted the growing importance of creative partnerships in corporate branding.
Both fans and industry players will undoubtedly be watching closely as this collaboration unfolds.
