Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 organisers invite entries, unveil ₦225 million record deal

MTN Nigeria has officially launched the second season of its "Next Afrobeats Star" (NAS) music reality competition, raising the stakes with a record-breaking grand prize of ₦225 million for a recording deal, alongside a new car. The telecommunications giant announced the competition on Monday, with entries opening on July 18 and closing on August 17. Produced in collaboration with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the initiative is designed to identify and nurture burgeoning Afrobeats artists across Nigeria.

The enhanced grand prize package for the winner includes not only the ₦225 million recording deal, covering music production, marketing, distribution, and accommodation, but also a brand-new car. Significant recording deals have also been allocated to the runners-up: ₦150 million for the first runner-up, and ₦100 million, ₦75 million, and ₦50 million for the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. A panel of notable music producers, including Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez, and Masterkraft, will serve as judges.

Emamoke Ogoro, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager for Brands and Communication, highlighted the competition's role in fostering opportunities within the creative industry for young Nigerians. She emphasized that the previous season provided contestants with national exposure, led to the release of original songs on global platforms, and ensured artists retained full intellectual property rights. "The most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens," Ogoro stated, underscoring the platform's ability to connect grassroots talent with a national audience.

Femi Ayeni, CEO of Ultima Studios, described NAS as more than just a television program, calling it a structured entry point into the music business for emerging artists needing investment and professional guidance. The inaugural season's winner, Ayo Benzi, secured a ₦150 million recording deal, and other finalists also signed contracts, subsequently releasing music on major streaming platforms. Interested applicants can register by texting 'NAS' to 13013, with a ₦600 fee, followed by an online registration and audition submission. Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu, and Benin, with shortlisted contestants progressing to televised rounds determined by public voting.

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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.