How I overcame audition rejection to land ₦100m music deal, Next Afrobeats Star runner-up DaveCash
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Afrobeats singer DaveCash secured a ₦100 million music deal after finishing as the first runner-up in the Next Afrobeats Star competition.
- He overcame an initial audition rejection by submitting a demo online, earning a second chance that led him to the finale.
- The competition, which began with over 15,000 artists, provided mentorship and pushed contestants to improve their craft.
Lagos-based Afrobeats singer Oladikupo David, known as DaveCash, transformed an initial audition rejection into a significant career opportunity, emerging as the first runner-up of the inaugural Next Afrobeats Star competition and securing a ₦100 million music deal.
When they picked me through the online submission, I told myself everybody was going to notice me. I saw it as God giving me another chance, and I knew I had to make the most of it.
DaveCash's journey nearly ended at the first hurdle when three judges voted against his progression. Undeterred, he submitted a demo through the competition's online platform. This second chance proved pivotal, propelling him through the ranks to the grand finale. "When they picked me through the online submission, I told myself everybody was going to notice me. I saw it as God giving me another chance, and I knew I had to make the most of it," he recalled.
The competition, which started with over 15,000 aspiring artists, narrowed down to a select group of finalists. For DaveCash, the pressure to perform after his initial rejection fueled his determination. "It wasn’t just about talent anymore. Every performance had to count because everyone around me was incredibly talented. The competition pushed me to raise my standards and give everything my best every single time," he stated.
It wasn’t just about talent anymore. Every performance had to count because everyone around me was incredibly talented. The competition pushed me to raise my standards and give everything my best every single time.
At the finale, Ayo Benzi was crowned winner with a ₦150 million deal, while DaveCash secured his ₦100 million deal. The competition, organized by Ultima Studios in partnership with MTN Nigeria and ONErpm, featured mentorship from renowned producers like Sarz and Puffy Tee. DaveCash credits the experience and mentorship with transforming his understanding of building a sustainable music career, emphasizing persistence and continuous improvement. He also highlighted the pride he feels in representing his community, stating, "People from where I’m from tell me I’m making them proud. So it’s no longer just about me. It’s about everyone coming after me."
People from where I’m from tell me I’m making them proud. So it’s no longer just about me. It’s about everyone coming after me.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Premium Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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