By STELLAMARIS ASHINZE

MTN Nigeria and Entertainment Company, Ultima Studios have unveiled Season 2 of the Next Afrobeats Star Talent Competition, and increased the winner’s recording deal prize from N150 million to N225 million.

The organisers said at the media parley on Saturday in Lagos that the winner would also receive a brand-new Mercedes-Benz SUV.

The organisers added that the first, second and third runner-ups would earn recording deals valued at N100 million, N75 million and N50 million respectively.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the “Next Afrobeats Star (NAS)” is a prominent Nigerian music reality show powered by MTN Nigeria, Ultima Studios to discover and mentor emerging global musical talents.

Speaking at the unveiling, the General Manager, Brand and Communications, MTN Nigeria, Ms Emamoke Ogoro, said the competition was designed to bridge the gap between musical talent and sustainable careers by giving emerging artistes access to industry opportunities.

Ogoro said, unlike conventional talent shows where contestants performed existing songs, participants on the Next Afrobeats Star are required to create and perform original music, helping them build lasting careers beyond the competition.

She said all contestants’ songs would be released on major global streaming platforms, ensuring wider visibility and commercial opportunities for the young artistes.

According to her, six contestants from MTN’s grassroots talent discovery platform, alongside a wildcard entrant, will join the main competition for the first time, expanding access for emerging talents nationwide.

Ogoro said applications would remain open until Aug. 17, urging aspiring musicians to take advantage of the platform to launch professional careers in the music industry.

Earlier, the Head of Content and Development at Ultima Studios, Richard Oluwabori, said entries could be submitted physically during regional auditions or online through the competition website using downloadable instrumentals.

Oluwabori said contestants must be Nigerian citizens, at least 18 years old, must possess strong musical talent and be willing to perform before live audiences.

He said auditions would hold in Lagos from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17; in Benin from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23; in Jos from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30, and Uyo from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6.

According to him, the best 200 contestants will perform before a judging panel comprising returning judges, Obi Asika and ID Cabasa, alongside new judges Masterkraft and Big Bird.

Oluwabori said songs performed during the television broadcasts would be released immediately on streaming platforms, eliminating the wait until the end of the competition.

He expressed confidence that the second edition would attract significantly more entries and deepen opportunities for emerging Afrobeats talents across Nigeria. (NAN)

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