MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with Ultima Studios and global music distributor ONErpm, has launched a high-stakes music reality show. Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), aimed at discovering and elevating the next generation of Afrobeats stars.
The show was officially unveiled at MTN’s rooftop venue in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The competition promises massive rewards: the winner will snag a $100,000 music deal (over ₦150 million), while the top four finalists will receive recording deals between $25,000 and $75,000.
Femi Ayeni, CEO of Ultima Studios, calls NAS unique because the judges , A-list producers such as Andre Vibez, Puffy Tee, Sarz, and P. Prime will create original songs for the contestants. Performance outcomes will be judged not just on covers but on these original pieces.
MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, described the show as a platform to ensure that every Nigerian youth regardless of location or education gets a chance to shine.
She emphasized that the initiative supports the federal government’s Destination 2030 strategy, aiming to make Nigeria a global hub for creative excellence.
Auditions and applications will be both digital and in-person, with registration accessible via SMS (text NAS to 13013), or regional auditions held in Jos, Enugu, and Lagos.
