…. Promises It Will Spotlight Nigerian Talents
By Oluwatobiloba Kumoye at Ikoyi
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna Emeka, has described the Next Afrobeats Star initiative as a dream that will transcend Nigeria’s diverse landscapes, from Lagos to Jos and beyond.
Speaking at the initiative’s media parley, Emeka emphasized that Next Afrobeats Star is the ultimate platform for emerging Afrobeats artists to shine.
“We are not just launching a show, we are launching a dream that will rise from the streets of Lagos, echo through the valleys of Jos, and reach the farthest corners of Nigeria”, she announced.
Onyinye Emeka explained that laudable initiative will not just discover the next afrobeats star, but will also develop and educate the artist on his journey to stardom, bring the artist to the lamplight, creating a pathway for the artist to become the next global icon of afrobeats.
“The Next Afrobeats Star, a bold initiative by MTN Nigeria in partnership with Ultima Studios and One rpm, to discover and educate the next global icon of Afrobeats,” she stated.
She emphasized that the Next Afrobeats Star initiative is built on ‘progress’, the driving force behind MTN’s dominance in the telecommunication scene.
“Across the nukes and crannies of Nigeria there are hidden talents wishing to be seen, to be heard and for MTN Nigeria because we stand for progress, this is another opportunity to bring Afrobeats to the lamplight,” Mrs Emeka added.
Highly sought-after, Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer, Temidayo Babatope Joseph, popularly known by his stage name Puffy Tee, and Nigerian music producer and songwriter, Alexander Uwaifo, known professionally as Andre Vibez, spiced up the Next Afrobeats Star Media Parley.
Puffy Tee, Andre Vibez alongside, Nigerian record producer and mixing engineer, Sarz, and Nigerian record producer, DJ, music director, mixing engineer and songwriter, P.Priime will be mentoring and providing guidance to the artists.
NEXT AFROBEATS STAR
It’s a bold new talent platform powered by MTN Nigeria and produced by Ultima Studios, designed to discover, develop, and launch the next global ambassador of Afrobeats. It offers a true pathway to professional success for emerging Afrobeats artists.
More than just visibility, the platform provides the tools, mentorship, and structure needed to build a sustainable career.
COMPETITION FORMAT
★ Age requirement, 18 years+
★ Solo Afrobeats songs only
★ No Group or Rap Entries
★ To register, Text NAS to 13013, (TEXT COSTS N300 PER ENTRY)
★ Entry Phase – Upload your track via the NAS website
★ Live Auditions – 48 contestants are selected
★ Versus Round – Contestants are paired to face off in a performance battle
★ Original Song Challenge – 24 artists create and perform original songs
★ Final 12 – Judges select the top 12 who move on to the live show
