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MTN Nigeria is opening a major new pathway for emerging Afrobeats artistes with the launch of the second season of its Next Afrobeats Star (NAS) competition, offering a combined ₦600 million in recording contracts to five successful contestants.
The nationwide search begins in Enugu, where aspiring musicians will have the opportunity to showcase their talents during auditions scheduled for August 28 and 29 at the Amadeo Event Center, 2 Ebeano Tunnel Road, off Ogui Road. Following the Enugu auditions, the competition will move to Benin, Jos and Lagos as MTN continues its search for Nigeria’s next generation of music stars.
Season Two comes with a significantly enhanced reward structure, reflecting the growing financial demands of launching and sustaining a professional music career. The eventual winner will receive a ₦225 million recording contract covering music production, marketing and distribution, alongside a brand-new car and accommodation.
The first runner-up will receive a ₦150 million recording contract, while the second, third and fourth runners-up will receive contracts worth ₦100 million, ₦75 million and ₦50 million respectively. Collectively, the five contracts amount to ₦600 million, making the initiative one of the more substantial talent-development opportunities available to emerging Nigerian musicians.
The competition is designed to address some of the challenges faced by young artistes attempting to break into the music industry. While talent remains essential, emerging performers often require substantial financial resources to record quality music, promote their work and distribute it effectively to audiences. By incorporating production, marketing and distribution into the recording deals, NAS aims to provide winners with support that extends beyond the initial discovery of their talent.
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The second season, produced in partnership with Ultima Studios, builds on the achievements of the inaugural edition. The first season produced Ayo Benzi as its winner, earning him a ₦150 million music deal. Other finalists also secured significant recording contracts, with Dave Cash receiving ₦100 million, Kaeko ₦75 million, Somto O’Laker ₦50 million and Lucky Yay ₦25 million.
Beyond the financial value of the contracts, the maiden season gave participating artistes exposure and opportunities to connect with broader audiences, demonstrating the potential of the competition to serve as a launchpad for emerging careers.
With registration for the second season still open through the designated process, eligible aspiring musicians are being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to audition. The regional structure is intended to make the competition accessible to talents from different parts of Nigeria, beginning with Enugu before moving to other major cities.
The initiative arrives at a time when Nigeria’s music industry continues to command international attention, with Afrobeats emerging as one of the country’s strongest cultural exports and creating opportunities for artistes, producers, songwriters and other creative professionals.
For those entering NAS Season Two, the immediate challenge is to impress judges and advance through the audition stages. For the contestants who ultimately emerge as finalists, however, the prize could be more significant than winning a competition. It could provide the financial backing, industry support and professional infrastructure needed to transform raw musical talent into a sustainable career.
