Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Nigeria’s hunt for its next breakout Afrobeats sensation is officially back on. MTN Nigeria has just announced the return of its flagship music competition, Next Afrobeats Star, for a second season that promises to be bigger and more rewarding than ever. After a successful debut that launched real careers and put fresh voices on the map, the telecom giant is doubling down on its commitment to discovering and developing raw talent across the country.
The stakes have been raised considerably for Season 2. This time around, the competition winner walks away with a staggering ₦225 million recording deal that covers everything from production and marketing to distribution and accommodation—plus a brand new car to match. But MTN isn’t just betting on one artist; the first runner-up receives a ₦150 million deal, while third, fourth, and fifth place finalists secure deals worth ₦100 million, ₦75 million, and ₦50 million respectively. It’s a serious investment that reflects how much the Afrobeats industry has grown and how much potential these platforms hold for emerging artists.
The competition, produced alongside Ultima Studios and ONErpm, will once again feature heavyweight judges including Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez, and Masterkraft—producers and songwriters who’ve shaped the sound of modern Nigerian music. Regional auditions kick off in Lagos, Jos, Enugu, and Benin, with contestants battling through multiple rounds including Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows, and the ultimate Grand Showdown. Season 1 proved the concept works: winner Ayo Benzi and finalists Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay! all walked away with recording contracts and music now streaming on major platforms. According to Emamoke Ogoro, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Brands and Communication, that’s exactly the point—contestants don’t just gain exposure; they leave with real intellectual property, industry credentials, and doors that stay open long after the cameras stop rolling.
Aspiring artists have from July 18 to August 17, 2026, to throw their hat in the ring. Registration is simple: text “NAS” to 13013 (₦600 fee applies), complete the online registration, upload your entry, and let your talent speak. With Afrobeats dominating global charts and Nigeria’s creative economy booming, this competition isn’t just about finding the next star—it’s about ensuring homegrown talent gets the platform, resources, and support to compete on the world stage.
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