Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
The hunt for Nigeria’s next breakout Afrobeats sensation is officially on. MTN Nigeria has launched the second season of Next Afrobeats Star, the reality music competition that’s rapidly becoming a major pipeline for emerging talent in Africa’s most explosive music genre. After a successful debut season that transformed unknowns into artists with global distribution deals, the telecom giant is doubling down with expanded prizes and an even bigger platform for the next generation of Afrobeats talent.
This year’s stakes have been raised considerably. The winner walks away with a staggering ₦225 million recording deal that includes full production, marketing, distribution, and accommodation support—plus a brand new car to match their new status. But it’s not just about the grand prize winner. The competition’s structure ensures multiple artists get their shot, with the first runner-up receiving a ₦150 million deal, while third, fourth, and fifth place finalists secure contracts worth ₦100 million, ₦75 million, and ₦50 million respectively. Produced in collaboration with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the competition brings together industry heavyweights as judges, including legendary producers Masterkraft, Puffy Tee, Ragee, and Andre Vibez, who will guide contestants through the rigorous competition process.
The inaugural season proved the competition’s credibility when winner Ayo Benzi, along with finalists Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay!, all secured recording contracts and released music now streaming on major platforms. Emamoke Ogoro, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Brands and Communication, emphasized that the competition goes beyond mere exposure. “Our contestants left owning their intellectual property, with industry credentials and meaningful relationships in a music industry that now knows their names,” she noted. Femi Ayeni, CEO of Ultima Studios, reinforced this vision, calling Next Afrobeats Star “a real pipeline into the music business” rather than just another TV show. Aspiring artists can enter now through August 17, 2026 by texting NAS to 13013 (₦600 registration fee applies), with regional auditions scheduled across Lagos, Jos, Enugu, and Benin before the competition heats up with Trials, Versus rounds, Pick Me stages, Live Shows, and the ultimate Grand Showdown.
As Afrobeats continues its global domination, competitions like Next Afrobeats Star are proving essential in ensuring Nigeria’s deep well of talent gets the structured support needed to compete on the world stage. With bigger prizes, proven results, and serious industry backing, Season 2 could very well discover the next artist who takes Afrobeats to even greater heights.
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