MTN Nigeria has announced the commencement of entries for the second season of its reality music competition, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), with an expanded prize package and greater opportunities for emerging music talents across the country.
The telecommunications company said the competition, produced in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, builds on the success of its maiden edition, which discovered and rewarded promising young artistes while providing them with platforms to launch their music careers.
Speaking on the return of the show, the General Manager, Brands and Communication, MTN Nigeria, Mrs Emamoke Ogoro, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians by transforming talent into sustainable opportunities.
According to her, the first season demonstrated that the competition is more than a talent show, as contestants not only gained national exposure but also recorded and released original songs now available on major global streaming platforms.
“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,” Ogoro said.
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 expanding creative economy.
Ogoro noted that the competition aims to identify, nurture and promote the next generation of Afrobeats stars by providing participants with mentorship, professional music production, industry exposure and access to key stakeholders in the entertainment ecosystem.
She encouraged aspiring musicians across Nigeria to seize the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete for life-changing rewards and career advancement.
The inaugural edition of Next Afrobeats Star produced several emerging artistes who have since released original songs and expanded their presence on digital streaming platforms.
The second season is expected to attract a wider pool of contestants as MTN Nigeria seeks to deepen its investment in the country’s vibrant creative industry.
