MTN Nigeria Announces Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 With Record-Breaking 225 Million Recording Deal

MTN Nigeria, together with Ultima Studios and global distributor ONErpm, has unveiled Season 2 of its reality‑music competition, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS). The new edition will premiere in late 2026 and promises a ₦225 million recording contract to the champion—an unprecedented sum in the country—plus a brand‑new car. Auditions opened on 18 July 2026 and will close on 17 August 2026.

The launch follows a successful debut in 2025 that turned local talent into national headlines. Season 1’s winner, Ayo Benzi, secured a ₦150 million deal, while finalists Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker and Lucky Yay! all landed contracts and retained ownership of their music. Industry insiders note that every contestant from the first season now streams on major global platforms, a testament to the show’s ability to translate exposure into tangible careers.

Season 2 ups the ante both in prize money and in scope. The winner receives a comprehensive ₦225 million package that covers production, marketing, distribution and accommodation. The first runner‑up will be awarded a ₦150 million deal, and the second, third and fourth runners‑up will receive ₦100 million, ₦75 million and ₦50 million respectively. A panel of seasoned producers and songwriters—Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft—will judge each performance, ensuring that the competition remains rooted in industry credibility.

“Season 1 was our proof,” said Emamoke Ogoro, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Brands and Communication. “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.” Ogoro added that the most significant change for Season 2 is “the size of the door it opens,” noting that the partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm will connect grassroots talent to a national stage.

Femi Ayeni, CEO of Ultima Studios, underscored the program’s role as a pipeline into the business. “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,” Ayeni said. “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.”

Filming will take place in Lagos, where contestants will perform live, receive mentorship and tackle industry‑focused challenges. Judges will assess vocal ability, stage presence, songwriting and commercial viability. Winners will receive not only financial support but also professional guidance from the panel and access to MTN’s extensive partner network.

MTN’s involvement in NAS reflects a broader commitment to nurturing creative talent across Nigeria. The telecom giant has previously backed digital and creative initiatives, including a ₦3 billion investment in the country’s digital transformation programmes.

The entry window closes on 17 August 2026, and aspirants can apply through the official NAS website. The show is slated to debut in late 2026, with the finale broadcast nationwide to showcase the winner’s debut single.

In sum, MTN Nigeria, Ultima Studios and ONErpm have expanded the Next Afrobeats Star platform, offering a substantial recording deal and a comprehensive support package to the Season 2 champion. The competition continues to serve as a significant launchpad for emerging Nigerian musicians, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in the global Afrobeats scene.