MTN Nigeria has unveiled Season 2 of its truth tune festival, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), following the luck of its inaugural version, which came upon and rewarded a few of Nigeria’s brightest rising tune abilities.
Produced in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the contest returns with an expanded prize package deal and a renewed seek for Nigeria’s subsequent Afrobeats megastar.
Commenting at the display’s go back, Emamoke Ogoro, Basic Supervisor, Manufacturers and Verbal exchange, MTN Nigeria, stated Subsequent Afrobeats Big name displays the corporate’s dedication to empowering younger Nigerians through growing platforms that grow to be skill into alternative.
“Season 1 used to be our evidence. Our contestants didn’t merely achieve publicity; they launched authentic tune now to be had on main world streaming platforms. They left the contest proudly owning their highbrow belongings, with trade credentials and significant relationships in a tune trade that now is aware of their names.
“As we go back for Season 2, essentially the most vital alternate isn’t the dimensions of the prize; it’s the dimension of the door it opens. We’re opening that door even wider through connecting grassroots skill to a countrywide level,” she stated. She added that, past leisure, the initiative displays MTN Nigeria’s dedication to making alternatives for younger Nigerians thru creativity, innovation and strategic partnerships that strengthen the rustic’s rising ingenious financial system.
This 12 months’s version options an expanded prize package deal. The winner will obtain a recording deal valued at ₦225 million, protecting tune manufacturing, advertising, distribution and lodging, along a brand spanking new automobile.
The primary runner-up will obtain a recording deal valued at ₦150 million, whilst the second one, 3rd 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 through an esteemed panel of judges comprising acclaimed manufacturers and songwriters Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft, who will carry their trade experience to the contest whilst serving to establish and nurture Nigeria’s subsequent Afrobeats megastar.
Season 1 offered audiences to remarkable abilities, together with Ayo Benzi, who received a ₦150 million recording deal, along finalists Dave Money, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker and Fortunate Yay!, all of whom additionally secured recording contracts, demonstrating the contest’s affect as a platform for locating and growing new tune skill.
Additionally talking concerning the partnership, Femi Ayeni, Leader Government Officer of Ultima Studios, stated Season 2 will construct at the luck of the inaugural version whilst growing even better alternatives for rising artists.
“After we introduced Season 1, we have been pushed through a easy however robust trust that Nigeria is overflowing with ordinary tune skill, and that what many younger other people want is greater than applause from family and friends. They want a reputable platform, structured strengthen, significant funding and a real alternative to be triumphant.
The achievements of our contestants because the first season have validated that trust. Subsequent Afrobeats Big name is greater than a tv programme; this is a actual pipeline into the tune industry. As we release Season 2, we’re elevating the bar with larger alternatives, upper aspirations or even better rewards for the following technology of Afrobeats stars,” he stated.
Entries for Subsequent Afrobeats Big name Season 2 opened on July 18, 2026 and can shut on August 17, 2026. contestants can check in through sending NAS to 13013. A registration rate of ₦600 applies. Contributors will then obtain a hyperlink to finish their registration, add their access, and start the audition procedure.
Regional auditions will happen in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin prior to shortlisted contestants development to the contest levels, the place they’re going to paintings with main tune manufacturers and mentors. All through the contest, contestants will compete within the Trials, As opposed to, Select Me, Are living Presentations and the Grand Showdown, with audience deciding the eventual winner thru public vote casting.
As Afrobeats continues its world upward thrust, MTN Nigeria stays dedicated to making sure that the following technology of Nigerian tune stars has the chance to be came upon, evolved and celebrated. Thru Subsequent Afrobeats Big name, the corporate continues to put money into younger skill whilst contributing to the expansion of Nigeria’s thriving ingenious financial system.
The submit ₦225 Million and a New Car: MTN Nigeria raises the stakes for Next Afrobeats Star II gave the impression first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.