By JKNewsMedia
A NEW music reality competition, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), has been launched to discover and promote the next generation of Afrobeats talent.
The show, officially unveiled on Saturday, 2 August 2025, at the MTN Rooftop Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, is a collaboration between MTN Nigeria, Ultima Studios, and music distribution company ONErpm.
Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, described the project as “a bold initiative” to connect Nigerian youths to global music opportunities.
She said the winner will secure a $100,000 music deal through a partnership between ONErpm and U-Records, while four other finalists will receive deals ranging from $25,000 to $75,000.
The initiative supports the Federal Government’s Destination 2030 strategy to position Nigeria as Africa’s hub for creative excellence.
Ultima Studios, producers of Project Fame and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, will oversee production. CEO Femi Ayeni said the competition stands out by having renowned producers – Andre Vibez, Puffy Tee, Sarz, and P. Prime – create original tracks for contestants, whose final performances will be judged on their own songs.
Head of Content at Ultima Studios, Oluwabori Richards, explained that entries begin with a text of “NAS” to 13013, after which applicants will receive a link and code to register online, select an instrumental, and upload a performance.
Regional auditions will be held in Jos, Enugu, and Lagos, with 300 shortlisted candidates advancing to the first round before judges.
The competition is open exclusively to Nigerians and will combine talent discovery with professional training, mentorship, and access to industry resources.
