According to a press release highlighted by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has officially opened submissions for Season 2 of its reality music competition, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS). Produced in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the show returns with an expanded prize structure aimed at discovering talent across the nation.
The grand prize for Season 2 features a recording contract valued at ₦225 million—covering music production, international distribution, marketing, and housing—alongside a brand-new car. Runners-up will also receive tiered recording contracts ranging from ₦50 million to ₦150 million, making it one of the richest talent show prize pools on the continent.
Audition entries opened on July 18 and will remain active through August 17, 2026. Regional auditions are scheduled to take place in Lagos, Jos, Enugu, and Benin City, giving grassroots vocalists direct access to top music producers and industry mentors.
Confirming the launch details, TheNETng published an update on its platform quoting MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Brands and Communication, Mrs. Emamoke Ogoro, who stated, “As we return for Season 2, the most significant change is not the size of the prize; it is the size of the door it opens.” Vanguard Newspaper also validated the report, quoting Ultima Studios CEO Femi Ayeni as saying, “We are raising the bar with bigger opportunities, higher aspirations and even greater rewards for the next generation of Afrobeats stars.”
The massive cash injection into grassroot music scouting underscores corporate Nigeria’s commitment to capitalizing on the global Afrobeats surge. By partnering directly with distribution powerhouses like ONErpm, the show provides contestants with commercial infrastructure rather than just one-off cash payouts. Music lovers will be watching how this season’s talent pool compares to international talent shows.
Source: Nigeria CommunicationsWeek — https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/mtn-nigeria-opens-applications-for-next-afrobeats-star-season-2-with-bigger-prizes/, July 22, 2026
Photo Credit: The Guardian
