MTN Nigeria has unveiled Season 2 of its actuality music competitors, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), following the success of its inaugural version, which found and rewarded a few of Nigeria’s brightest rising music abilities.
Produced in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the competitors returns with an expanded prize package deal and a renewed search for Nigeria’s subsequent Afrobeats star.
Commenting on the present’s return, Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brands and Communication, MTN Nigeria, stated Next Afrobeats Star displays the firm’s dedication to empowering younger Nigerians by creating platforms that rework expertise into alternative.
“Season 1 was our proof. Our contestants didn’t merely acquire publicity; they launched authentic music now obtainable on main world streaming platforms. They left the competitors proudly owning their mental property, with business credentials and significant relationships in a music business that now is aware of their names.
“As we return for Season 2, the most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens. We are opening that door even wider by connecting grassroots talent to a national stage,” she stated. She added that, past leisure, the initiative displays MTN Nigeria’s dedication to creating alternatives for younger Nigerians by way of creativity, innovation and strategic partnerships that assist the nation’s rising artistic economic system.
This 12 months’s version options an expanded prize package deal. The winner will obtain a recording deal valued at ₦225 million, protecting music manufacturing, advertising and marketing, distribution and lodging, alongside a model new automobile.
The first runner-up will obtain a recording deal valued at ₦150 million, whereas the second, third and fourth runners-up will obtain recording offers valued at ₦100 million, ₦75 million and ₦50 million, respectively.
Contestants will likely be guided and evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges comprising acclaimed producers and songwriters Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft, who will convey their business experience to the competitors whereas serving to establish and nurture Nigeria’s subsequent Afrobeats star.
Season 1 launched audiences to distinctive abilities, together with Ayo Benzi, who gained a ₦150 million recording deal, alongside finalists Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker and Lucky Yay!, all of whom additionally secured recording contracts, demonstrating the competitors’s influence as a platform for discovering and growing new music expertise.
Also talking about the partnership, Femi Ayeni, Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, stated Season 2 will construct on the success of the inaugural version whereas creating even better alternatives for rising artists.
“When we launched Season 1, we have been pushed by a easy however highly effective perception that Nigeria is overflowing with extraordinary music expertise, and that what many younger folks want is greater than applause from associates and household. They want a credible platform, structured assist, significant funding and a real alternative to succeed.
The achievements of our contestants since the first season have validated that perception. Next Afrobeats Star is greater than a tv programme; it’s a actual pipeline into the music enterprise. As we launch Season 2, we’re elevating the bar with larger alternatives, greater aspirations and even better rewards for the subsequent technology of Afrobeats stars,” he stated.
Entries for Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 opened on July 18, 2026 and will shut on August 17, 2026. Interested contestants can register by sending NAS to 13013. A registration price of ₦600 applies. Participants will then obtain a hyperlink to finish their registration, add their entry, and start the audition course of.
Regional auditions will happen in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin earlier than shortlisted contestants progress to the competitors levels, the place they may work with main music producers and mentors. Throughout the competitors, contestants will compete in the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with viewers deciding the eventual winner by way of public voting.
As Afrobeats continues its world rise, MTN Nigeria stays dedicated to making sure that the subsequent technology of Nigerian music stars has the alternative to be found, developed and celebrated. Through Next Afrobeats Star, the firm continues to put money into younger expertise whereas contributing to the progress of Nigeria’s thriving artistic economic system.
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