MTN Nigeria opens entries for Next Afrobeats Star season 2

MTN Nigeria Launches Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 with ₦225 Million Grand Prize

MTN Nigeria has officially announced the return of its hit reality music competition, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), unveiling Season 2 with an expanded prize pool and a renewed commitment to discovering Nigeria’s next music superstar.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, which showcased and rewarded some of the country’s most promising emerging artists, the competition returns in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm to provide aspiring musicians with a platform to launch professional careers in the music industry.

Winner to Receive ₦225 Million Recording Deal

This year’s edition offers an even bigger reward package. The winner will receive a ₦225 million recording deal, covering music production, marketing, distribution, and accommodation, in addition to a brand-new car.

The prize structure also rewards other outstanding contestants:

• First Runner-up: ₦150 million recording deal

• Second Runner-up: ₦100 million recording deal

• Third Runner-up: ₦75 million recording deal

• Fourth Runner-up: ₦50 million recording deal

MTN Reaffirms Commitment to Young Talent

Speaking on the launch of Season 2, Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brands and Communication at MTN Nigeria, said the competition reflects the company’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians by turning talent into opportunity.

According to her, the success of the first season proved that the initiative goes far beyond a television competition.

“Season 1 was our proof. Our contestants did not simply gain exposure; they released original music now available on major global streaming platforms. They left the competition owning their intellectual property, with industry credentials and meaningful relationships in a music industry that now knows their names.”

She added that while the prize money has increased, the biggest achievement of the programme is the opportunities it creates for aspiring artists.

“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.”

Ogoro noted that the initiative is part of MTN Nigeria’s broader commitment to supporting the country’s creative economy through innovation, strategic partnerships, and youth empowerment.

Top Music Producers to Judge the Competition

Season 2 will feature an experienced panel of judges made up of some of Nigeria’s most respected producers and songwriters, including Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez, and Masterkraft.

The panel will mentor contestants throughout the competition while helping identify the next breakout Afrobeats star.

Building on a Successful First Season

The maiden edition of Next Afrobeats Star introduced audiences to exceptional talents, with Ayo Benzi emerging as the winner of a ₦150 million recording deal.

Fellow finalists Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay! also secured recording contracts, highlighting the competition’s growing reputation as a genuine pathway into the Nigerian music industry.

Ultima Studios Promises Bigger Opportunities

Also speaking at the launch, Femi Ayeni, Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, said the second season aims to build on the achievements of the inaugural edition by creating even greater opportunities for young artists.

“When we launched Season 1, we were driven by a simple but powerful belief that Nigeria is overflowing with extraordinary music talent, and that what many young people need is more than applause from friends and family. They need a credible platform, structured support, meaningful investment and a genuine opportunity to succeed.”

He added that the success of last season’s contestants validates the vision behind the programme.

“Next Afrobeats Star is more than a television programme; it is a real pipeline into the music business. As we launch Season 2, we are raising the bar with bigger opportunities, higher aspirations and even greater rewards for the next generation of Afrobeats stars.”

How to Apply

Entries for Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 opened on July 18, 2026, and will close on August 17, 2026.

Interested contestants can register by sending NAS to 13013. A registration fee of ₦600 applies, after which applicants will receive a link to complete their registration, upload their audition entry, and begin the selection process.

Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu, and Benin, with successful contestants progressing to the main competition.

Throughout the show, participants will compete across several stages, including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows, and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner determined through public voting.

Investing in Nigeria’s Creative Future

As Afrobeats continues to dominate the global music scene, MTN Nigeria says it remains committed to discovering, developing, and celebrating the next generation of Nigerian music stars.

Through Next Afrobeats Star, the telecommunications giant continues to invest in young talent while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s thriving creative economy, providing aspiring artists with the resources, mentorship, and industry exposure needed to transform their passion into successful music careers.