MTN Nigeria and entertainment company Ultima Studios have raised the stakes for the second season of the Next Afrobeats Star talent competition, announcing a record‑breaking N225 million recording deal for the champion—up from N150 million in season one—and a brand‑new Mercedes‑Benz SUV. The news came at a media briefing in Lagos on Saturday.

"The competition is designed to bridge the gap between musical talent and sustainable careers by giving emerging artists access to industry opportunities," said Ms Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager of Brand and Communications at MTN Nigeria. She added that unlike conventional talent shows where contestants perform existing songs, Next Afrobeats Star requires participants to write and perform original music, a strategy she believes will help them build lasting careers beyond the competition.

All performances will be released immediately on major global streaming platforms after each broadcast, giving the young artists instant visibility and commercial potential. In addition to the winner’s deal, the first, second and third runners‑up will receive recording deals valued at N100 million, N75 million and N50 million, respectively.

The show is a partnership between MTN Nigeria, a leading African telecommunications operator, and Ultima Studios, an entertainment company that has produced music and film projects across Nigeria. Its goal is to discover and mentor emerging global talents within the Afrobeats genre.

"Entries can be submitted physically during regional auditions or online through the competition website using downloadable instrumentals," explained Richard Oluwabori, Head of Content and Development at Ultima Studios. "Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, at least 18 years old, possess strong musical talent and be willing to perform before live audiences."

Auditions will take place in Lagos from 15 to 17 August, in Benin from 21 to 23 August, in Jos from 28 to 30 August, and in Uyo from 4 to 6 September. The top 200 contestants will perform before a judging panel that includes returning judges Obi Asika and ID Cabasa, as well as new judges Masterkraft and Big Bird.

Oluwabori added that six contestants from MTN’s grassroots talent discovery platform, along with a wildcard entrant, will join the main competition for the first time, expanding access for emerging talents nationwide.

Applications will remain open until 17 August. The competition’s format—requiring original songwriting and live performance—intends to give contestants a platform that goes beyond the typical reality‑show model.

The first season of Next Afrobeats Star concluded in December 2025 with Ayo Benzi winning a N150 million recording deal and a Mercedes‑Benz SUV. The second season is expected to attract significantly more entries and deepen opportunities for emerging Afrobeats talents across Nigeria.

Afrobeats, which blends highlife, hip‑life and contemporary pop influences, has grown into a global export, with Nigerian artists regularly charting in the United States and Europe. The competition’s focus on original music and immediate streaming release aligns with industry trends that favour fresh, independent content.

With the prize increase and the addition of a luxury vehicle, MTN and Ultima Studios are positioning Next Afrobeats Star as a major launchpad for the next generation of Nigerian musicians.

The show will begin airing in early 2026, with the grand finale scheduled for late December. The winner will receive the N225 million recording deal, the Mercedes‑Benz SUV, and a platform that will see their music distributed worldwide.

The announcement underscores MTN’s continued investment in cultural initiatives and Ultima Studios’ commitment to nurturing local talent. The partnership demonstrates how corporate sponsorship and entertainment production can collaborate to create sustainable career pathways for artists in the rapidly expanding Afrobeats market.