A new music reality show, designed to uncover and elevate the next generation of Afrobeats talent, has been launched.
The show, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), is a partnership between Ultima Studios, MTN Nigeria and ONErpm. While the grand winner of the talent hunt will receive a $100,000 music deal made possible by ONErpm and U-Records, the remaining four finalists would smile home with music deals ranging from $25,000 to $75,000.
Known for its work on Project Fame and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Ultima Studios brings decades of production and talent development expertise to the show. It also brings on board its expertise in audio-visual production.
According to Femi Ayeni, CEO of Ultima Studios, what makes Next Afrobeats Star unique is that, for the first time, a show is having producers and beat-makers actually recording original songs for the contestants. “So, they (the contestants) will be doing covers, but at the end of the day, their original songs are the ones that will determine how well they do on the show. The producers are Andre Vibez, Puffy Tee, Sarz and P. Prime,” he disclosed.
Speaking, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, said: “Next Afrobeats Star is a bold initiative by MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, to discover and elevate the next global icon of Afrobeats. At MTN, we believe in progress, not just as a brand stance but a purpose.
“We believe that every Nigerian, regardless of background, location or education, deserves a chance to be connected, seen, heard and celebrated. That is why we are taking this message to every corner of Nigeria, from the bustling cities to the most remote villages so that no youth is left behind. Because talent knows no boundaries, and neither should opportunity.
“Today, 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.”
Ikenna-Emeka explained further that the show aligns with the government’s ‘Destination 2030’ strategy, which aims to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for creative excellence.
“Through the Destination 2030 strategy, the government is working to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for creative excellence by the year 2030. This vision is about more than economic growth, it’s about 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.”
On his part, Head of Content at Ultima Studios, Oluwabori Richards, stated that Next Afrobeats Star would feature both online registration and in-person auditions. “After texting NAS to 13013, you’ll get a text back with a link and a unique code,” he shared. “That link takes you to the Next Afrobeats Star website, and then you enter your unique code and email address. Once you do that, you fill in your registration details.”
According to Richards, the website hosts 10 to 12 instrumentals from the four producers. “Download any of the tracks that you want, make music on it and then put it back on the website. When you do that, we have A&R execs from ONErpm who will be reviewing all the entries,” he noted, adding that regional auditions will hold in Jos, Enugu and Lagos, giving applicants the option to audition either digitally or in person.
Once the entries are collated, both regionally and on digital platforms, 300 people will be shortlisted to come to the trial. The trial is the first round of the show, and that’s the first time contestants will be performing before judges. To apply, interested participants should text NAS to 13013 using an MTN line.
Leave a comment