Following a successful inaugural run that discovered and launched several fresh voices onto global streaming platforms, leading telecommunication giants, MTN Nigeria has announced the second season of its sponsored Next Afrobeats Star (NAS) music competition with an unprecedented grand prize: a N225 million recording deal accompanied by a brand-new car.
 
Produced in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the organisers said the stakes of the music talent competition is raise with a revamped format, stronger mentorship, live performances and greater opportunities for contestants to showcase their artistry before industry professionals and millions of viewers.
  
Speaking on the competition, General Manager, Brands and Communication at MTN Nigeria, Emamoke Ogoro, emphasised that the true value of the competition lies in the career-launching pathways it creates for young artistes.   
  
She said, “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.”
 
“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, ensuring participants retain their intellectual property while gaining genuine industry credentials,” Ogoro added.
  
She added that beyond entertainment, the initiative reflects MTN Nigeria’s commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians through creativity, innovation and strategic partnerships that support the country’s growing creative economy.
  
For this year’s edition, the winner will receive a recording deal valued at ₦N225 million, covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, alongside a brand new car. The first runner-up will receive a recording deal valued at ₦N150 million, while the second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at ₦N100 million, ₦N75 million and ₦N50 million, respectively.
  
Also speaking about the reality competition, Femi Ayeni, Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, said Season 2 will build on the success of the inaugural edition while creating even greater opportunities for emerging artistes.
   
“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.
   
“The achievements of our contestants since the first season have validated that belief. 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,” he said.
    
Ayeni revealed that the contestants will be guided and evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges comprising acclaimed producers and songwriters including Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft, who will bring their industry expertise to the competition while helping identify and nurture Nigeria’s Next Afrobeats Star.
  
Season 1 introduced audiences to exceptional talents including Ayo Benzi, who won a ₦N150 million recording deal, alongside finalists Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker and Lucky Yay!, all of whom also secured recording contracts, demonstrating the competition’s impact as a platform for discovering and developing new music talent.
  
Entries for NAS Season 2 opened on July 18, and will close on August 17. Interested contestants can register by sending NAS to 13013. A registration fee of ₦600 applies. Participants will then receive a link to complete their registration, upload their entry, and begin the audition process.
   
According to the organisers, regional auditions will take place in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants’ progress to the competition stages, where they will work with leading music producers and mentors.
  
They added that throughout the competition, contestants will compete in the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with viewers deciding the eventual winner through public voting.