By Oluwatobiloba Kumoye
“Afrobeats is brewing for a storm — not of wind and rain, but of musical masterclass, theatrical talent and reverberating rhythm with a touch of royalty.”
Those were the words of renowned and highly esteemed singer-songwriter and producer Temidayo Babatope Joseph A.K.A. PuffyTee, a big name in Afrobeats, as he hailed Ayo Benzi — the new ‘kid on the throne’ in Afrobeats.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesman, Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, PuffyTee described Ayo Benzi, as the “wunderkind of Afrobeats”, saying Next Afrobeats Stars Season 1 crown is proof of the young artist’s exceptional gifts.
Ayo Benzi, a key and influential member of Team Puffy Tee, a trio that dominated discussion throughout the series with its combination of studio polish and live energy.
Another member of the Team, Dave Cash finished second, while emerging artist, Tunnex bowed out of the competition in the semi-final.
PuffyTee stated that his support for Benson was no accident, adding that he saw the talent within him instantly.
“I saw the talent in him from the first time I heard him, as someone who’s spent years shaping Afrobeats, I can tell when raw ability and true artistic hunger are present — Ayo Benzi has both in abundance.
“Winning NAS doesn’t stop the work. It changes the scale of the work we must do together,” he stressed.
Benson’s phenomenal performance, earned a major record contract valued at ₦150 million with OneRPM, a deal PuffyTee described as a major opportunity for the young artist to access professional distribution, development and international channels that can accelerate his career beyond the domestic scene.
PuffyTee emphasized that Benson’s talent which blends traditional Afrobeats rhythms with modern production flourishes and a theatrical vocal delivery sets him apart.
He further emphasized that Team PuffyTee’s run at the NAS is an undeniable proof of his growing reputation as a mentor and talent scout.
Over the years he’s worked behind the scenes with several rising stars and this season’s results reemphasizes that perfectly.
“I’ll keep doing what I do best, mentoring, producing and opening doors, so he can reach his full potential,” he said.
He also praised Dave Cash, the second-place finisher, and Tunnex, a semi-finalist, for their grit and artistry. PuffyTee said the trio’s performances, each bringing distinct energy, helped make Team PuffyTee one of the competition’s defining stories.
“This is just the beginning, we’ll push, refine and present him to the world. With the right work, Ayo Benzi will be heard far beyond this win,” he concluded.
