MTN launches Next Afrobeats Star S2 with ₦225m prize, entries July 18-Aug 17
MTN Nigeria has launched the second season of its music reality competition, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), raising the grand prize to a ₦225 million recording deal plus a brand-new car. The first runner-up gets ₦150 million, second ₦100 million, third ₦75 million and fourth ₦50 million. Entries opened on 18 July and close on 17 August. Aspiring artistes can register by texting 'NAS' to 13013, paying a ₦600 fee, then uploading audition entries via the supplied link. Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin, with successful acts advancing to televised stages—Trial, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown—where the winner is chosen by public voting. Produced with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the show features judges Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft. MTN's Brand and Communications GM Emamoke Ogoro said the contest opens doors for grassroots talent, noting that past participants like Ayo Benzi secured recording deals and released music on global platforms while retaining full IP rights. The initiative aims to expand opportunities for Nigeria's emerging Afrobeats artists.