Present Fatherhood: Why I turned down a six-figure influencer deal despite financial struggles

Kenyan digital content creator Jeff Dindi, popularly known as Present Fatherhood, has turned down a six-figure influencer deal, citing unfair contract terms.

Dindi, who took to Instagram to share his decision, posted a video of himself burning the contract. In his caption, he explained that despite facing financial challenges, he could not agree to the terms presented.

“I recently turned down a six-figure influencer contract, even though my family is facing serious financial challenges. Why? Because the contract was deeply flawed. Out of 21 clauses, I had issues with eight, and two were downright exploitative,” he wrote.

One of his key concerns was a clause granting the agency “perpetual rights” to his image, voice, and likeness without additional compensation. The contract, which detailed terms such as the right to edit, reproduce, and use his content indefinitely, also prohibited him from seeking guild or union protections.

“These agencies are taking advantage of influencers, luring us with big paychecks while locking us into terrible contracts. They probably thought I didn’t know any better, but they were wrong,” he added.

A post shared by Present fatherhood (@presentfatherhood)

Dindi’s decision sparked widespread reactions, with fellow influencers and artists weighing in.

His wife, A Thriving Mama, supported his choice, commenting, "Looking back, it was the hardest yet most peaceful decision. Whatever is meant for us will reach us even if beneath two mountains, and what isn’t meant for us won’t reach us even if it’s between two lips."

A post shared by Present fatherhood (@presentfatherhood)

Rapper Khaligraph Jones advised Dindi to seek legal counsel, saying, "Buda, tafuta manager ama lawyer akusaidie ku re-negotiate contract. All contracts always look like that, if not worse, until they are re-adjusted."

Gospel singer and YouTuber Bencyco applauded his stance, stating, "This is non-negotiable for me as well. You did well to stand on business."

Singer Bien added: "I love this. You are totally right for this."

Journalist Jeridah Adanyi expressed solidarity, commenting, "Thank you for sharing this. Good things are on the way. I’ve said so many NOs on these streets sometimes it feels like I’m too much. But I’ll keep saying NO and waiting."

Beauty entrepreneur Maureen Bandari encouraged him, saying, "As it should be! Money will always come at the right time. Meanwhile, we want to buy your coffee."

A review of the contract reveals several clauses that raised concerns. One of the most contentious was the "Right to Use Likeness" clause, which granted the agency and its clients a royalty-free, universal, and perpetual license to use Dindi’s name, image, voice, performance, and social media content in any media format, without requiring further permissions or additional compensation.

The contract stated:

"The Influencer hereby grants the Agency and the Client a royalty-free, universal license from the date of publishing the Influencer content, the right to photograph, record, publish, display, exploit, modify, edit, reproduce and otherwise use the Influencer’s name, image, likeness, voice, performance, social media handles, nicknames, biographical materials, statements, testimonials, and other indicia in any and all media for any and all purposes."

Additionally, the "Grant of Rights and Use of Materials" clause required Dindi to give a fully paid-up, irrevocable, and non-exclusive worldwide unlimited license for six months, allowing the agency to use, edit, and distribute his content indefinitely.

Further, the "No Guild or Other Obligations" clause explicitly prevented him from seeking protections from any professional organisations, stating:

"The Influencer represents and warrants that the Influencer is not a member of any guild, union or similar organisation that may prevent the use of such Influencer’s name, likeness, image, voice, performance, biographical materials, or social media handles."

These clauses effectively meant that Dindi would have little to no control over how his likeness and content were used, even after the contract period ended.

Despite rejecting the deal, Dindi remains optimistic, saying he believes a better brand will come along—one that truly values his work and community.