New Music Reality Competition Next Afrobeats Star Berths, Winner Gets N160m Music Deal
- After ing Project Fame, MTN, Ultima Studios, and ONErpm launched a new music reality show, Next Afrobeats Star
- The show is meant for Nigerians, and auditions will be held in three regions across the country
- "Five winners will emerge, with the first receiving a music deal worth $100,000, while four others will receive prizes ranging from $75,000 to $25,000"
With the global acceptance and recognition Afrobeats have recorded, a new music reality competition that is designed to discover and launch the next generation of Afrobeats talent, Next Afrobeats Star, berthed on Saturday, August 2.
Announcing the new show, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, revealed that the competition is an initiative of the telecommunications giant, Ultima Studios, and ONErpm.
The competition is solely for Nigerians across all backgrounds, locations and education, noting that they all deserve a chance to be connected, seen, heard, and celebrated and become the next global icon of Afrobeats.
Source: UGC
Auditions will be conducted across three regions: Jos, Enugu, and Lagos. Interested Nigerians can apply through online registration and in-person auditions. Ikenna-Emeka said:
"Afrobeats is a global force, filling stadiums, topping charts, and inspiring millions. But the journey is far from over. The Next Afrobeats Star is our commitment to the future of this movement. It is a platform where raw talent meets real opportunity. Where the rhythm of Nigeria meets the reach of the world.”
Prizes for 5 winners of Next Afrobeats Star
The winner of the Next Afrobeat Star will receive a ₦160 million ($100,000) record deal through a collaboration between ONErpm and U-Records.
The other top four finalists will be rewarded with music deals ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 to support the production of their debut project, an open door to global stages, global audiences, and global impact.
MTN and Ultima Studios have been known to support the Nigerian music industry by grooming new music acts through their now-rested music reality show, Project Fame. The two organisations also made many Nigerians millionaires through the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire game show anchored by Frank Edoho.
With the Next Afrobeat Star, Ikenna-Emeka claimed that the project resonates with the federal government's Destination 2030 strategy, which aims to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for creative excellence.
Destination 2030's vision is focused on cultural pride, global influence, and national identity. It’s about creating an enabling environment for artistic brilliance, promoting diversity and creativity, and preserving the rich heritage that makes Nigeria unique.”
Seasoned producers to work with contestants
Femi Ayeni, CEO of Ultima Studios, talked about the uniqueness of the show as producers and beat makers will record original songs for the contestants, and they will do covers of other artists' songs. Their original songs will determine their performance on the show under the mentorship of four carefully chosen music producers, Puffy Tee, Andre Vibez, P. Priime and Sarz.
Andre Vibez is renowned for producing for Rema's Calm Down, Ayra Starr's Rush, Mr Eazi's The Evil Genius and others. Puffy Tee has worked with Davido, Mayorkun and Olu Maintain, among others.
Sarz has produced songs for Wizkid, Banky W, Wande Coal, etc. And P. Priime, on his part, has worked on different songs with Wizkid, Burna Boy.
Source: Instagram
How competitors would be selected
Interested intending artists who want to be the Next Afrobeats, head of content at Ultima Studios, Oluwabori Richards, explained how they can register for an audition. He said applicants are to text NAS 13013 to get a text with a unique code and link that will take them to the Next Afrobeats Star website. A unique code and email address are required to register on the website.
Giving further instructions, Richards added that the website has between 10 to 12 instrumentals by the four producers. Contestants are to download any track and make music before uploading it to the website.
Only 300 contestants will be shortlisted for the trials, which will be the first round of the competition. Judges will be there live to assess contestants' performances.
BBNaija season 10 2-day premiere
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Big Brother Naija 2025, which is the season 10, had a double premiere.
The first-day premiere had all female housemates welcomed into Biggie's house on Saturday, July 26, while the male housemates came in on the second day, Sunday, July 27.
The show will last 13 weeks.
Source: Legit.ng
