MTN Nigeria Unveils Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 With ₦225 Million Prize and Brand-New Car

MTN Nigeria has officially launched Season 2 of its Next Afrobeats Star (NAS) reality music competition, raising the stakes with a massive prize package worth ₦225 million for the eventual winner, alongside a brand-new car.

Following the success of the inaugural edition, the telecommunications company is once again searching for Nigeria’s next breakout Afrobeats artist through a competition designed to discover, develop, and promote emerging music talent.

The show is produced in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, with this year’s edition promising bigger rewards, broader opportunities, and a stronger pathway into the Nigerian music industry.

Bigger Rewards Await the Winner

For Season 2, MTN Nigeria has significantly expanded the prize pool to reward outstanding talent across multiple finalists.

The grand prize winner will receive a ₦225 million recording deal, which covers music production, promotion, distribution, accommodation, and a brand-new car.

Other finalists will also walk away with substantial recording contracts:

The expanded prize structure reflects MTN Nigeria’s growing investment in supporting the country’s creative industry and giving young artists the resources needed to build sustainable music careers.

MTN Says the Competition Is About More Than Entertainment

According to Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brands and Communication at MTN Nigeria, the competition is part of the company’s long-term commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through creativity and innovation.

She explained that the first season proved the initiative could transform lives, noting that contestants did more than gain television exposure.

According to her, participants released original songs that became available on major global streaming platforms, retained ownership of their intellectual property, and built valuable relationships within the music industry.

Ogoro added that while the prize money has increased this season, the real value lies in creating more opportunities for talented Nigerians by connecting grassroots musicians with a national audience.

She also emphasized that the initiative supports the continued growth of Nigeria’s creative economy through strategic partnerships and investments in young talent.

Top Music Producers to Mentor Contestants

Season 2 will feature an experienced panel of respected music producers and songwriters who will guide contestants throughout the competition.

The judging panel includes:

• Puffy Tee
• Ragee
• Andre Vibez
• Masterkraft

The judges will mentor participants, assess performances, and help identify artists with the potential to become Nigeria’s next major Afrobeats sensation.

Season One Produced Rising Music Talents

The first edition of Next Afrobeats Star introduced several promising artists to the Nigerian music scene.

Ayo Benzi emerged as the overall winner, securing a ₦150 million recording deal, while fellow finalists Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay! also earned recording contracts.

Their success demonstrated the competition’s ability to provide genuine career opportunities for emerging musicians beyond the television stage.

Ultima Studios Promises an Even Bigger Second Season

Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the new season builds on the achievements of the inaugural competition while offering even greater opportunities for aspiring artists.

He explained that the project was created around the belief that Nigeria has an abundance of talented musicians who simply need access to credible platforms, professional guidance, meaningful investment, and the right opportunities to succeed.

According to Ayeni, the achievements of contestants from Season 1 have validated that vision, making Next Afrobeats Star more than just a reality television show but a genuine pathway into the professional music industry.

He added that Season 2 raises the standard with bigger rewards, higher ambitions, and stronger support for the next generation of Afrobeats stars.

Registration Opens as Auditions Head Across Nigeria

Applications for Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 opened on July 18, 2026, and will remain open until August 17, 2026.

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

Regional auditions will be held in:

• Lagos
• Jos
• Enugu
• Benin

Successful applicants will advance through various competition stages, including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows, and the Grand Showdown, where the eventual winner will be decided through public voting.

MTN Continues Investment in Nigeria’s Creative Industry

As Afrobeats continues to dominate the global music scene, MTN Nigeria says it remains committed to helping discover and nurture the next generation of Nigerian stars.

Through the Next Afrobeats Star initiative, the company aims to provide talented young musicians with access to professional mentorship, recording opportunities, and national exposure while contributing to the continued growth of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.