MTN Unveils N225m Prize for Next Afrobeats Star Season 2

​MTN Nigeria has officially opened entries for the second season of its music reality competition, Next Afrobeats Star, offering a record-breaking grand prize package designed to discover and elevate the next generation of musical talent.

​The announcement was made by MTN Nigeria’s General Manager for Brands and Communication, Emamoke Ogoro, who detailed that the ultimate winner will walk away with a N225m recording deal—covering comprehensive music production, marketing, distribution, and accommodation—alongside a brand-new car.

​Expanding Opportunities for Grassroots Talent

​Produced in strategic partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the upcoming season builds heavily on the successes of its inaugural edition. According to Ogoro, the initiative provides a transformative platform for young artists, ensuring they retain full ownership of their intellectual property while gaining vital industry credentials.

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​”Season one 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,” Ogoro noted.

​Tiered Prize Pool and Expert Mentorship

​The competition features an expanded, multi-tier prize structure to reward top-performing finalists:

• ​Winner: N225m recording deal + a brand-new car
• ​1st Runner-Up: N150m recording deal
• ​2nd Runner-Up: N100m recording deal
• ​3rd Runner-Up: N75m recording deal
• ​4th Runner-Up: N50m recording deal

​To maintain high artistic standards, contestants will be guided and evaluated by an elite panel of judges featuring renowned industry heavyweights Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez, and Masterkraft. Ultima Studios Chief Executive Officer Femi Ayeni emphasized that the second edition will further solidify the platform’s reputation for nurturing authentic Nigerian musical artistry.

​Audition Timeline and Process

​Entries for Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.

​Following the entry period, physical regional auditions will take place across designated centers including Lagos, Jos, Enugu, and Benin. Shortlisted talents will subsequently navigate through intense competitive phases—including Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows, and the Grand Showdown—with the ultimate winner ultimately decided via public voting.