MTN Nigeria has announced the commencement of entries for the second season of its music reality competition, Next Afrobeats Star, with the winner set to receive a recording deal worth N225m and a new car.The telecommunications company said the competition, produced in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, builds on the success of its maiden edition, which discovered and rewarded emerging Nigerian music talents.Speaking on the return of the show, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager, Brands and Communication, Emamoke Ogoro, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians by providing platforms that transform talent into opportunity.According to her, the first season demonstrated that the competition goes beyond offering exposure, as contestants left with original music available on global streaming platforms, ownership of their intellectual property, industry recognition and valuable professional networks.She said, “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 in a music industry that now knows their names.“As we return for the second season, the most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens. We are opening that door even wider by connecting grassroots talent to a national stage,” she said.Ogoro added that the initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.Related NewsRadiogad advises Davido to protect public imageBefore Stardom With…Idowu Oluwatobiloba (Lobar beatZ)VIDEO: I always knew I’d succeed, says DavidoThe company also unveiled an expanded prize package for the new season. While the overall winner will receive a N225m recording deal covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, as well as a new car, the first runner-up will receive a N150m recording deal.The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. The telecommunications company said the competition, produced in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, builds on the success of its maiden edition, which discovered and rewarded emerging Nigerian music talents.Speaking on the return of the show, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager, Brands and Communication, Emamoke Ogoro, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians by providing platforms that transform talent into opportunity.According to her, the first season demonstrated that the competition goes beyond offering exposure, as contestants left with original music available on global streaming platforms, ownership of their intellectual property, industry recognition and valuable professional networks.She said, “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 in a music industry that now knows their names.“As we return for the second season, the most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens. We are opening that door even wider by connecting grassroots talent to a national stage,” she said.Ogoro added that the initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.Related NewsRadiogad advises Davido to protect public imageBefore Stardom With…Idowu Oluwatobiloba (Lobar beatZ)VIDEO: I always knew I’d succeed, says DavidoThe company also unveiled an expanded prize package for the new season. While the overall winner will receive a N225m recording deal covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, as well as a new car, the first runner-up will receive a N150m recording deal.The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. Speaking on the return of the show, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager, Brands and Communication, Emamoke Ogoro, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians by providing platforms that transform talent into opportunity.According to her, the first season demonstrated that the competition goes beyond offering exposure, as contestants left with original music available on global streaming platforms, ownership of their intellectual property, industry recognition and valuable professional networks.She said, “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 in a music industry that now knows their names.“As we return for the second season, the most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens. We are opening that door even wider by connecting grassroots talent to a national stage,” she said.Ogoro added that the initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.Related NewsRadiogad advises Davido to protect public imageBefore Stardom With…Idowu Oluwatobiloba (Lobar beatZ)VIDEO: I always knew I’d succeed, says DavidoThe company also unveiled an expanded prize package for the new season. While the overall winner will receive a N225m recording deal covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, as well as a new car, the first runner-up will receive a N150m recording deal.The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. According to her, the first season demonstrated that the competition goes beyond offering exposure, as contestants left with original music available on global streaming platforms, ownership of their intellectual property, industry recognition and valuable professional networks.She said, “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 in a music industry that now knows their names.“As we return for the second season, the most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens. We are opening that door even wider by connecting grassroots talent to a national stage,” she said.Ogoro added that the initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.Related NewsRadiogad advises Davido to protect public imageBefore Stardom With…Idowu Oluwatobiloba (Lobar beatZ)VIDEO: I always knew I’d succeed, says DavidoThe company also unveiled an expanded prize package for the new season. While the overall winner will receive a N225m recording deal covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, as well as a new car, the first runner-up will receive a N150m recording deal.The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. She said, “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 in a music industry that now knows their names.“As we return for the second season, the most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens. We are opening that door even wider by connecting grassroots talent to a national stage,” she said.Ogoro added that the initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.Related NewsRadiogad advises Davido to protect public imageBefore Stardom With…Idowu Oluwatobiloba (Lobar beatZ)VIDEO: I always knew I’d succeed, says DavidoThe company also unveiled an expanded prize package for the new season. While the overall winner will receive a N225m recording deal covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, as well as a new car, the first runner-up will receive a N150m recording deal.The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. “As we return for the second season, the most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens. We are opening that door even wider by connecting grassroots talent to a national stage,” she said.Ogoro added that the initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.Related NewsRadiogad advises Davido to protect public imageBefore Stardom With…Idowu Oluwatobiloba (Lobar beatZ)VIDEO: I always knew I’d succeed, says DavidoThe company also unveiled an expanded prize package for the new season. While the overall winner will receive a N225m recording deal covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, as well as a new car, the first runner-up will receive a N150m recording deal.The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. Ogoro added that the initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.Related NewsRadiogad advises Davido to protect public imageBefore Stardom With…Idowu Oluwatobiloba (Lobar beatZ)VIDEO: I always knew I’d succeed, says DavidoThe company also unveiled an expanded prize package for the new season. While the overall winner will receive a N225m recording deal covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, as well as a new car, the first runner-up will receive a N150m recording deal.The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. The company also unveiled an expanded prize package for the new season. While the overall winner will receive a N225m recording deal covering music production, marketing, distribution and accommodation, as well as a new car, the first runner-up will receive a N150m recording deal.The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. The second, third and fourth runners-up will receive recording deals valued at N100m, N75m and N50m respectively.Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. Contestants will be assessed and mentored by a panel of judges comprising renowned producers and songwriters: Puffy Tee, Ragee, Andre Vibez and Masterkraft.On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios, Femi Ayeni, said the second edition would further strengthen the competition’s role as a platform for discovering and nurturing emerging music talents.According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. According to the organisers, entries for the competition opened on July 18 and will close on August 17, 2026.Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. Regional auditions will be held in Lagos, Jos, Enugu and Benin before shortlisted contestants advance to the competition stages, where they will receive mentorship from leading music producers and industry professionals.Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting. Contestants will compete through stages including the Trials, Versus, Pick Me, Live Shows and the Grand Showdown, with the eventual winner emerging through public voting.